This is a Meatloaf recipe for people who love their Meatloaf oozing with flavour, moist and tender yet not crumble apart when sliced, and a sticky caramelised meatloaf glaze . It’s so much more than just a giant hunk of ground beef in a loaf shape!
This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
Meatloaf recipe
A loaf made entirely of meat. What’s not to love? (Vegetarians are excused 😉)
It’s economical. It’s quick to prepare. It’s a classic family favourite. And leftovers make terrific sandwiches.
If you think that Meatloaf is really just a giant beef burger shaped like a loaf, it’s time to abandon that misconception! Meatloaf shouldn’t taste like a hamburger! Meatloaf has more flavour because whereas you wouldn’t eat a hamburger without toppings, sauces, cheese and a bun, you can certainly eat Meatloaf plain because it’s so juicy and tasty!
The secret to making a meatloaf taste really good is to use fatty beef, plenty of flavourings and to grate your onion instead of dicing it.
A tastier, juicier meatloaf recipe
The secret to making a meatloaf taste really good is the beef (use at least 15% fat beef), plenty of flavourings and to grate your onion instead of dicing it.
Flavourings – In this meatloaf recipe, not only do we use the usual suspects like thyme, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, we give this a serious flavour boost by using beef bouillon cubes (granulated beef) instead of salt. Granulated beef bouillon has way more flavour than just plain salt!
Grating onion – this is an efficient and effective method I’ve been using for years and its grown quite a cult following since I started this website (see feedback on these Italian Meatballs!). The breadcrumbs soak up the onion juices and puff up during baking, making our meatloaf nice and tender. This also adds savoury onion flavour without the need of dicing them then frying them separately.
Meatloaf glaze
I also like to coat my meatloaf with a glaze which adds an extra something-something to the meatloaf both in looks and flavour.
Plus, it not only hides any cracks on the surface of the meatloaf – just think of that glaze dripping down into those cracks!
How to make meatloaf
And here’s process photos for how to make meatloaf. Also see the quick video below – you’ll see how tender the juicy this meatloaf is!
Tips and FAQ for the BEST Meatloaf!
Why does my meatloaf fall apart? Because the mixture wasn’t mixed together well enough, or the loaf wasn’t pressed together firmly. Using a loaf pan helps here! Also, some cracks is GOOD – extra flavour from the meatloaf glaze drips into the meatloaf.
Do you have to use a loaf pan? For the juiciest meatloaf, yes I strongly recommend using a loaf pan. It cooks more evenly, stays juicier because its cooking in its own juices and holds its shape.
If you freeform it (ie bake without a loaf pan), the ends/sides will overcook before the middle is cooked. And if it holds its form like a block loaf without using a loaf pan, your mixture is way too dense which will make your meatloaf dry!
Should I cover the meatloaf when baking? No, you want the meatloaf to brown and the glaze to caramelise! But if it browns too quickly, just pop foil over it.
How long does it take to cook a 1kg / 2lb meatloaf? 1 hr 15 minutes at 180°C / 350°F.
What to serve with meatloaf
I can’t think of a better way to serve Meatloaf than on a pile of creamy mashed potato, though for a lower carb version, cauliflower mash would be fantastic too.
Dollop of ketchup, a leafy salad or steamed greens with dressing and you have yourself an epic plate of home cooked comfort-food bliss, with the added bonus of meatloaf sandwiches to enjoy tomorrow! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Sometimes it helps to have a visual, so watch me make this Meatloaf recipe! I was a bit heavy handed with the extra ketchup at the end – oops! 😂
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Meatloaf recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
- 1 large onion , grated (brown, yellow)
- 1 kg / 2 lb ground beef (mince) , preferably not lean
- 2 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional), or 2 tsp dried parsley or basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 beef bouillon cubes , crumbled or 2 tsp beef powder (Note 2)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar , lightly packed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Oil or spray a loaf tin. (Note 3)
- Glaze: Mix together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Meatloaf: Place breadcrumbs in a very large bowl. Grate over onion. Mix so the breadcrumbs are all wet. (Note 4)
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix well using your hands. Form into a loaf shape, pinching together then smoothing over creases and cracks (helps prevent cracks during baking).
- Transfer into loaf tin. Brush generously with glaze, using about 1/2.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with most of the remaining glaze. If there is excess fat pooling, scoop/pour it off.
- Bake for a further 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Stand for 10 minutes before turning out and cutting into thick slices. You will probably get a bit of crumbling just on the edges of the first couple of slices, this is normal and indicative of the tenderness of the meatloaf (zero crumble indicates firm packed harder meatloaf which isn’t as enjoyable!).
- Ideal served with a dollop of ketchup, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Meatloaf recipe originally published March 2018. Updated for some housekeeping things and a brand new video. No change to the recipe – I wouldn’t dare, readers love it as it is!
More meatloaf recipes!
And more timeless, family favourites
Life of Dozer
So exhausted after a big play session at the beach, he didn’t even stir when I pulled out a giant hunk of beef today! 🥩
With some VERY fussy eaters in my house, this is one dish that is a family favourite and easy go to dish
meat loaf gone.. tasty moist delicious with mash & veg
Yum! Didn’t have tomato sauce and still turned out great. For my glaze I used red wine, bbq sauce and tomato paste. Delish. Used bbq/Tom paste mix in the loaf.
Can I have gravy with the meatloaf? If so, what gravy would work the best? Would love to try this recipe
Even my fussy stepkid loves it! Not an easy feat!
Love this recipe. I always make 2 and freeze one for another day.
We have left overs on fresh bread rolls for lunch the next day.
I have never liked meatloaf
UNTIL NOW
made for my husband and ate a lot of it after resting time before I served it
10/10
This recipe is delicious (as are most of your recipes). I make mine into rissole-sized mini meatloafs to cut down on cooking time, they turn out great 😁
Recipe states “Remove from oven and brush with most of the remaining glaze” but there is no plan for the remaining glaze.
Meatloaf was delicious 😋
Very good meatloaf recipe. Turned out very moist and flavorful. Will be throwing out my other meatloaf recipes. My favorite side dish with meatloaf is Baked Polenta. Love your recipes as they always turn out as described. Thanks for a terrific site and keep the recipes coming.
I have never left a review on a cooking website before because usually I screw up the recipe and always ruin it. But holy cow this was absolutely delicious! I have made something tasty with your help! I also use your naan recipe every week now too! Thank you!!
Wow! This was so good! Halfway through his plate, my boyfriend stated that “this had to be another Recipetineats recipe, because it was delicious” and then, after getting seconds “Is there ever a dish she doesn’t get right”? 😀
Here in the States we can get bouillon in granules. Much easier to mix in rather than the cubes which are gummy when you try to crumble them.
Love your recipes especially salad and chicken—I made meatloaf, found it too salty –will eliminate beef cubes next time. thanks
Was just wondering can u use regular white vinegar for the glaze?
I actually ran out of ketchup so I used chilli sauce instead. Worked great as I love a bit of warmth in my recipes.Thanks again. Marianne
WOW…. I made your meatloaf recipe today . I couldn’t wait till tomorrow to leave a comment. It surpassed my expectations. WOW WOW WOW for meatloaf.. Love your recipes, my favorite site and dinner book. Thank you Marianne
So full of taste. You can taste the different ingredients as a wonderful experience in your mouth.
Moist and carvable. The glaze makes another layer of a different blend of ingredients and texture.
I use 1/2 the quantity of ingredients which gave 4 good portions of 2 thick carved slices each.
Looked and tasted like a meatloaf I have never had the pleasure of cooking and eating
Hi Lesley. How long did it take to cook? I’m thinking of only making 500 grams of mince instead of 1 kilo. Thanks heaps.
Leslie
Made this on Monday night. It’s just two of us at home, so I had leftovers for my father the next day and also took some to my elderly neighbours over the back fence. I paired it with RTE creamy mashed cauliflower recipe. So delicious and easy to make!
Seriously the best meatloaf I’ve ever had. So tasty! Even my son loved it and he usually thinks mince isn’t good enough! He did ask if there was a way to get the glaze flavour all the way through, not just on the top. Any suggestions anyone? Great make ahead recipe too. Thanks Nagi, I’ll be making this one often 😊