Homemade meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With its combination of seasoned ground meat, tender breadcrumbs, and a touch of aromatic vegetables, meatloaf is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Top it off with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze or your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’ve got a classic family meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week ahead, or even as a crowd-pleaser at a family gathering. This homemade version elevates the classic, with juicy, tender meatloaf and a rich flavor profile you can tweak to make it your own.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Classic Comfort Food: Meatloaf has a nostalgic quality that makes it a comfort food favorite. It’s the kind of meal you can imagine your grandmother making, with each bite packed with warmth and flavor.
- Simple and Customizable: This homemade meatloaf recipe uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, yet it’s flexible enough to allow for customization. Want to add some heat? Toss in a little chili powder or cayenne. Prefer a sweeter glaze? Go for brown sugar in your ketchup topping. The possibilities are endless!
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork) is an affordable protein, making this a great meal for feeding a family on a budget. It’s a filling dish that goes a long way, making leftovers perfect for sandwiches or even a second dinner.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion, herbs, and seasonings infuses the meat with flavor, while breadcrumbs help keep it tender and juicy. Topping it with a simple ketchup glaze adds a tangy-sweet element that brings everything together.
- Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Meatloaf is one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can also freeze an uncooked meatloaf, saving you time on a busy day when you just want a comforting, homemade meal.
- Everyone Loves It: Meatloaf is one of those dishes that appeals to all ages. Kids love the simple flavors, and adults enjoy the savory, filling nature of it. Plus, it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 C. old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 pkg. dry onion soup mix
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 T. worcestershire sauce
- 3 T. ketchup
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- Topping
- 1/4 C. ketchup
- 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
Directions:
