Name: Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup diced); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ⅔ cup quick-cooking oats; ⅓ cup milk; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar

If you’re craving that ultimate comfort food with a nostalgic twist, then this Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe is about to become your go-to. I absolutely love how this turns out with a juicy, tender inside and a perfectly balanced glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tanginess. Trust me, when you try this, you’ll discover why this meatloaf has won hearts and plates in my family—and I bet it will in yours too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably already have most of these essentials on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Perfectly Moist and Flavorful: The mix of oats, milk, and seasonings keeps the meatloaf juicy without being dense.
Delicious Glaze That Caramelizes: The sweet and tangy glaze on top adds a beautiful finish and that irresistible glossy look.
Family Favorite for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or special dinner, this meatloaf always hits the spot.

This dish shows two thick slices of meatloaf that are dark brown inside with bits of onion visible and a shiny, reddish-brown glaze on top. The meatloaf slices lie on the right side of a white plate. On the left side, there is a small bunch of bright green broccolini with long stems and florets. Behind the meatloaf, there is a serving of creamy mashed potatoes that are pale white with a smooth texture and a small pool of melted butter in the center, sprinkled with black pepper and chopped herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork on the bottom right edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in building that classic meatloaf flavor and texture that you’ll love. Plus, they’re straightforward and easy to find. Let me guide you through the why’s and how’s so you can feel confident shopping for these staples.

Ground beef: I find 80/20 ground beef gives the perfect fat content—moist but not greasy. You could also mix with ground pork for a different flavor twist.
Small onion: Finely diced onion adds gentle sweetness and texture without overpowering the meat.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that punch of aromatic goodness.
Eggs: They bind the meatloaf together so it holds its shape when sliced.
Ketchup: Two uses here—one inside the mix and the other for the glaze, bringing tang and mellow sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth, making every bite savory and rich.
Quick-cooking oats: These act like breadcrumbs, absorbing juices but keeping the texture soft and tender.
Milk: Moisturizes the oats and keeps the loaf from drying out.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely, it brightens the overall flavor with a subtle herb note.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the meat without being too overpowering—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Ground black pepper: Freshly ground delivers a mild heat that balances the savory profile.
Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze naturally, helping it caramelize beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe can be! Over time, I’ve tweaked it depending on mood and pantry availability—feel free to play around to make it your own.

Variation: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version; just remember you might want to add a little extra moisture like a splash more milk or a tablespoon of olive oil.
Variation: Add finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots inside for extra veggies and a pop of color—great if you want to sneak in some nutrients.
Variation: Try substituting the oats with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you prefer a different texture.
Variation: For a smoky twist, mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder into the meat mixture.

How to Make Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Everything Together Gently

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you want everything ready to go once the loaf is formed. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, quick oats, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s a trick I learned after a few botched meatloafs: use your hands to mix, but don’t overdo it! Stirring too much can make the meatloaf tough, and we want it tender and moist, remember?

Step 2: Shape Your Loaf

I usually form my meatloaf right on a rimmed baking sheet or casserole pan into a roughly 9×5-inch shape, but if you prefer, a loaf pan works too. Just keep in mind that with a pan, it might cook a little differently, so check doneness earlier. You want a nice even shape to ensure it cooks through evenly.

Step 3: Slather on the Glaze

This step makes all the magic happen! In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and coconut sugar (or brown sugar). Brush this glaze generously over the top of the loaf. It’ll caramelize during baking and give you that shiny, sticky crust everyone raves about. If you want extra glaze, I sometimes reserve a little to brush on halfway through baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your meatloaf in the center of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). I always use a meat thermometer here—don’t just rely on time alone, because oven temperatures vary. Let it rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven; this step helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much develops protein and can lead to a dense meatloaf—gently combine for tender results.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I can’t stress this enough; it ensures your meatloaf is safely cooked without drying out.
Let it Rest: Resting the meatloaf after baking makes slicing cleaner and keeps it juicy.
Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with adding a splash of hot sauce or a touch of mustard for extra zing as you like.

How to Serve Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe

A white oval plate holds a sliced meatloaf with a shiny dark brown glaze on top. The meatloaf is cut into four thick slices, showing a textured inside with bits of onions and herbs visible. Bright green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the meatloaf and plate. To the right of the meatloaf, a knife with a wooden handle rests on the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby, and partially visible are side dishes including mashed potatoes and green vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top when serving—it adds that little pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the meatloaf. A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes beside it just feels like home to me.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this meatloaf served with roasted green beans, buttery mashed potatoes, and a crisp cucumber salad on the side. But honestly, it pairs well with pretty much any veggie or grain you’re in the mood for.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like making individual mini meatloaves in muffin tins—each glazed and baked perfectly portioned. It looks charming on a platter and makes serving easy, plus everyone loves getting their own personal meatloaf “cup”.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meatloaf cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days. I’ve found that letting it cool before wrapping preserves juiciness best.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead or save leftovers, I slice the meatloaf first and freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can reheat just what you need—super handy!

Reheating

To keep it moist, I reheat the slices covered with foil in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave, but I prefer the oven for texture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge beforehand for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat for this Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner version, though you may want to add a bit more moisture like extra milk or an egg to keep it tender. Some friends also mix in ground pork for added flavor.
What’s the secret to a moist meatloaf?

It’s all about balance—don’t overmix your ingredients, use a binder like eggs, and include oats or breadcrumbs soaked slightly in milk to hold moisture. Also, the glaze on top locks in juiciness during baking.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the loaf a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the glaze right before baking for best results. Leftover cooked meatloaf also freezes well.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures it’s cooked through but not dry.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s comforting, forgiving, and always impresses. When I first tried perfecting it, I stumbled over dry loaves and tough textures, but with these tips, it’s become reliably moist and flavorful every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings that warm, homey feeling to your dinner table just like it does for mine!