This Meatloaf Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and super simple to make. It’s one of those classic comfort food meals that always hits the spot. Juicy, savory, and topped with a tangy BBQ glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
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I love how hands-off this recipe is once it’s in the oven, and it makes excellent leftovers, too. It’s also easy to make gluten-free with just a straightforward swap of gluten-free breadcrumbs!
How to make homemade meatloaf
First, gather your ingredients.
Ingredients
For best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to.
To make this meatloaf recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Lean ground beef: Use 85/15 for the best results. Or 90/10 if you’re really watching the grease.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Soaks up moisture and helps hold everything together; use gluten-free if needed.
- Water: Softens the breadcrumbs and keeps the loaf moist. Sub in milk if you want to make it a bit richer.
- Yellow onion: Grated so it blends into the mixture easily without pre-cooking.
- Eggs: Help bind the loaf and give it structure.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep, savory flavor with a hint of tang.
- Kosher salt: Essential for evenly seasoning the entire loaf.
- Italian seasoning: Whatever your favorite brand is. If you don’t have a mix, use basil, garlic, oregano, and a dash of thyme.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky-sweet flavor.
- Chili powder: Not enough to make it spicy. Just adds some depth.
- Garlic powder: Delivers that savory garlic flavor without extra chopping. You can sub in minced garlic if you prefer.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper works best for this recipe, but any ground pepper works!
- BBQ sauce: Half goes in the loaf for flavor, the rest on top for that sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Chopped parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh pop of color.
Making homemade meatloaf
Meatloaf is a simple, classic recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and water and let them sit for 2 minutes to soften.
Next, add the grated onion, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce.
Stir well to combine.
Add the ground beef and mix with your hands until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender texture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared sheet and form it into a loaf shape about 5 inches by 10 inches. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top.
Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.
I hope y’all enjoy this homemade meatloaf recipe! Let me know if you try it.
Tips for Success
- Grating the onion means no need to sauté. It melts into the loaf for a smooth texture and flavor.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet instead of a loaf pan to let excess fat drain off without spilling off into your oven.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat individual slices throughout the week.
More Recipes Like This
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Salad
- Fresh Rolls
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Meatloaf Recipe
This Meatloaf Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and super simple to make. It's one of those classic comfort food meals that always hits the spot. Juicy, savory, and topped with a tangy BBQ glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs regular or gluten free
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 medium yellow onion grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce divided
- Chopped parsley as garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil and grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and water. Let sit for 2 minutes.
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Mix in the grated onion, eggs, worcestershire sauce, italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and 1⁄4 cup of BBQ sauce.
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Add the ground beef and use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
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Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form into a 5-inch by 10-inch loaf size.
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Spread the remaining 1⁄4 cup of BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake in the middle level of the oven for 65-75 minutes, until the center of the meatloaf registers 165°F on an instant read thermometer.
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Let the meatloaf cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Grated onion helps the onion “melt” into the meat mixture without needing to be sauteed
beforehand! - Great for meal prep!
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
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