Name: Classic Meatloaf – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef for a Hearty Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

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This classic meatloaf recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Made with easy recipes with ground beef, this dish is simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for easy recipes for dinner. Whether you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes, exploring air fryer easy recipes, or craving comfort food with a side of bread easy recipes, this meatloaf covers it all. It’s a family-friendly favorite that pairs wonderfully with sweet easy recipes or even creative spins like easy recipes ninja creami sides. Moist, savory, and topped with a delicious ketchup glaze, this meatloaf will become your go-to meal any night of the week.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe
3) Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf
4) How to Make Classic Meatloaf
5) Tips for Making Classic Meatloaf
6) Making Classic Meatloaf Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Classic Meatloaf
8) Try these Comfort Food recipes next!
9) Classic Meatloaf Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What ingredients make meatloaf moist and flavorful?
How long should you cook a meatloaf for best results?
Can you prepare meatloaf in advance and freeze it?
What’s the best way to reheat leftover meatloaf?

2) Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe

When it comes to classic American dinners, few dishes rival the comfort and satisfaction of a traditional meatloaf. At Elena Cooks (www.elenacooks.com), we understand the joy of preparing easy recipes with ground beef that bring everyone to the table. This easy classic meatloaf recipe is the perfect example of a dish that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Made with pantry staples, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite you can whip up even on busy nights. The savory mix of beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings forms a tender, juicy loaf topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for quick and easy recipes that feel like home, this dish delivers. You’ll love how easy this recipe is to personalize or double for meal prep. With every slice, you’ll taste the magic of old-fashioned goodness, all while enjoying one of the best easy recipes for dinner you can make.

3) Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf

Ground Beef (2 pounds): This is the heart of your meatloaf. Choose 80/20 beef for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture, making this one of the top easy recipes with ground beef for any home cook.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Breadcrumbs help bind the meat together and give the loaf a tender texture. Plain or seasoned work, depending on your flavor preference.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds depth and sweetness. Chop finely for even distribution and better texture throughout the loaf.

Eggs (2 large): Essential for binding everything together, eggs ensure your meatloaf holds its shape and slices cleanly.

Milk (3/4 cup): Keeps the loaf moist and helps soften the breadcrumbs. You can substitute with broth or non-dairy alternatives as needed.

Salt (2 teaspoons): Seasons the meat and enhances the natural beef flavor. Adjust to taste.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice to balance the savory and sweet flavors.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, earthy aroma that enhances the overall taste without overpowering the dish.

Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A handy way to layer in onion flavor along with fresh onion for an extra savory boost.

Ketchup (1/4 cup + extra for topping): Used inside and on top of the loaf, it creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

4) How to Make Classic Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easy cleanup. This is the first step in many easy recipes with ground beef that aim to simplify cooking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the loaf dense and tough.

Step 3: Add in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour in the 1/4 cup of ketchup and mix again until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan or directly on the baking sheet. Use your hands to form it into a smooth, uniform shape.

Step 5: Spread a generous layer of ketchup on top of the loaf. This will create a sticky, flavorful crust that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary—one of the many reasons it’s among the best quick and easy recipes.

Step 6: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor in your finished dish.

5) Tips for Making Classic Meatloaf

To keep your meatloaf tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients once the seasonings and liquids are added. Lightly combining the mixture ensures a softer texture. Letting the loaf rest after baking also helps redistribute the juices evenly throughout, making each bite succulent and flavorful. To save even more time on busy nights, you can chop your onion in advance and store it in the fridge. Want to take it up a notch? Try substituting part of the beef with pork or turkey to diversify the flavor. Meatloaf also works wonderfully in air fryer easy recipes—just reduce the cooking time and shape smaller portions. If you’re a fan of sweet easy recipes, adding a little brown sugar or barbecue sauce to the glaze gives it a delightful twist. Meatloaf is versatile, forgiving, and absolutely satisfying—just what you want from a dependable dinner recipe.

6) Making Classic Meatloaf Ahead of Time

Classic meatloaf is one of those easy recipes for dinner that’s perfect for prepping in advance. You can fully assemble the loaf the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the oven—no need to bring it to room temperature. You can even freeze the uncooked loaf for later; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This makes it a smart solution for weekly meal prep or when hosting a dinner party where oven time is limited. Busy families love it because you can cook once and enjoy it twice. For a time-saving bonus, double the batch and freeze one for another week. With easy recipes with ground beef like this, planning ahead doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or quality.

7) Storing Leftover Classic Meatloaf

Leftover meatloaf is almost better the next day, and storing it properly will help retain its taste and texture. Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices between sheets of wax paper in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer to bring back the original crispiness of the glaze. This recipe fits wonderfully into bread easy recipes when paired with a slice of toasted sourdough for a hearty sandwich. Whether served hot or cold, classic meatloaf continues to impress as a reliable leftover meal. It’s another reason why it earns a spot among your go-to quick and easy recipes.

8) Try these Comfort Food recipes next!

9) Classic Meatloaf Recipe