Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Secret to a Classic Meatloaf Juicy and Delicious Every Time - Featured Image

The Secret to a Classic Meatloaf Juicy and Delicious Every Time

Learn how to make delicious Classic Meatloaf Juicy. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers as a budget-friendly swap)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version)
  • ¼ cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
  • Optional: ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. I usually prefer the baking sheet method; it helps the heat circulate evenly and gives a nice crust.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, garlic, eggs, and milk. Use your hands here—don’t be afraid to get a little messy. Mixing by hand helps everything come together without overworking the meat, which keeps it tender.
  3. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the bowl. If you’re adding Parmesan, toss it in now. Gently mix everything until just combined. Pro tip: Overmixing is the enemy of juicy meatloaf, so stop as soon as the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Place it on your prepared baking sheet or into the loaf pan. I like to pat the top down gently and even create a shallow trench down the middle—this helps the loaf cook evenly.
  5. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze is what gives that classic tang and shiny finish. Sometimes, I mix a little brown sugar into the ketchup for a sweet twist that my kids adore.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I always use a meat thermometer—there’s no guesswork, and it guarantees juicy meatloaf every time.
  7. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute, so your slices won’t fall apart or dry out.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Classic Meatloaf Juicy, recipe, cooking, food