Best Meatloaf Recipe

This best meatloaf recipe is a classic, reliable dinner that delivers juicy texture, rich flavor, and a perfectly caramelized glaze. Often called the world’s best meatloaf recipe or even the best meatloaf recipe of your life, it uses simple pantry ingredients and proven techniques to create a comforting dish that works for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This version is easy, adaptable, and can be customized as the best meatloaf recipe with beef and pork, with oatmeal, or even adjusted to be the best meatloaf recipe no ketchup by swapping the glaze.  Learn how to prepare Best Meatloaf Recipe step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
• 3 slices bread, toasted and finely crumbled
• 7 buttery round crackers, crushed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3½ tablespoons sour cream
• 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
• ¼ cup milk, as needed for moisture
• 3 tablespoons ketchup

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent to remove any sharp raw flavor. Season with salt and black pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bread, crushed crackers, egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, half of the tomato sauce, and the cooked onion mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
• Gradually add milk one teaspoon at a time, mixing lightly, until the meat mixture is moist but not soggy to ensure a tender meatloaf.
• Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape without compacting the meat.
• Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing the meatloaf to cook through evenly.
• Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes to develop a light crust on the outside.
• Mix the remaining tomato sauce with ketchup, spread evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 10 minutes until the glaze is glossy and caramelized.
• Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Notes: For variations, this recipe works well as the best meatloaf recipe with oatmeal instead of crackers, or as a best meatloaf recipe with brown gravy by skipping the ketchup glaze and serving with homemade gravy. Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is essential for clean slices and maximum juiciness.