Mom's Meatloaf ~ Simply the Best Recipe

Mom's Meatloaf is simply the best! This classic recipe has only a few ingredients and is so easy to make. It's the most delicious, tender, juicy and easy meatloaf recipe.

The humble meatloaf. It's not the prettiest of entrees, but it's one of the most delicious. Along with Spinach and Sausage Lasagna, Turkey Meatloaf with Mushrooms and Meatball Stroganoff, I make this traditional meatloaf recipe a few times a month for my personal chef clients. They never tire of comfort food dishes.

Back in the day, I loved my Mom's meatloaf. It was a frequent dish served for our family's dinner. But unfortunately I never got her original recipe.

So now I'm the mom of Mom's Meatloaf. My grown and on their own kids still ask for me to make meatloaf when they come to visit. And my husband would love if there was a juicy meatloaf on standby in the refrigerator at all times.

Why you'll love this classic meatloaf recipe

I've tinkered with quite a few meatloaf recipes over the years. Fans of a classic meatloaf will love that this recipe is

• Easy to make ~ Mix the ingredients in one bowl. Bake the meatloaf mixture in a baking pan. That's it!
• A juicy and flavorful meatloaf ~ The meatloaf is always juicy, it holds its shape and is never crumbly or dry, and it's super flavorful.
• Affordable ~ Relatively inexpensive ingredients are transformed into a delicious and easy meal.
• A delicious leftover ~ Meatloaf tastes even better a couple days after it is made. A thick slice of meatloaf tucked between slices of bread along with some ketchup is amazing!.

Ingredients & substitutions

Gather simple ingredients and for the best meatloaf. If substitutes can be made to the recipe, they're listed. Scroll to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients.

• Meatloaf mix - It's a combination of ground beef, pork and veal. If your store doesn't carry premade meatloaf mix, combine 1 pound ground beef with ½ pound each of ground pork and veal. 2 pounds of ground turkey can be used as an alternative.
• Onion - I like yellow onions in this traditional meatloaf recipe. A sweet onion such a Vidalia is an alternative.
• Celery
• Large eggs
• Seasoned breadcrumbs ~ Seasoned panko can also be used in the recipe.
• Ketchup ~ For a smoky sweet flavor, substitute barbecue sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce ~ In a pinch, use soy sauce.
• Kosher salt ~ The larger grain salt enhances the flavor of food without making it overly salty.
• Fresh ground black pepper ~ It's more flavorful than already ground pepper.

How to make meatloaf

It's super easy to make a meatloaf. Combine the simple ingredients using everyday kitchen tools to make the best meatloaf recipe. This is a brief overview of the recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for the complete instructions.

• Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Next grab a bowl and add the meatloaf mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, ¾ of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt and pepper. Gently yet thoroughly combine the ingredients.

• Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for about an hour.

Hint

So your meatloaf doesn't fall apart, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Try some of these variations to make the recipe one of your favorites.

• Spicy ~ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
• Cheesy ~ During the last 10 minutes of baking time, top the meatloaf with a cup of shredded or crumbled mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss or blue cheese.
• Vegetable ~ Add a cup of finely chopped zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, or mushrooms.
• Pesto ~ Omit the ketchup. Stir in ¼ cup prepared pesto along with the meatloaf ingredients. Spread 2-3 tablespoons on top of the meatloaf before cooking it.

Expert tips

• Use a combination of 3 ground beef, pork and veal to give Mom's Meatloaf its delicious rich flavor. This "meatloaf mix" is available in many grocery store meat departments.
• Finely chop the onion and celery and add them raw along with the other ingredients. The vegetables cook along with the rest of the ingredients making the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Use your hands to mix the ingredients. But go gently as you don't want to compact the ingredients as it will result in a dense tough meatloaf.
• Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Fold up the edges of the foil about an inch or so to catch the grease from the meatloaf.

Frequently asked questions

Add wet ingredients ~ Eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce not only keep meatloaf juicy, they add delicious flavor.
Use raw onion and celery ~ Including finely chopped raw onion and celery in the recipe also adds to the juiciness of the meatloaf.
Don't overmix the ingredients ~ Overzealous mixing leads to a tough, dry meatloaf. Just don't do it.

To keep your meatloaf from falling apart, use a combination of ground meats (beef, pork and veal), use binders including eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, let the meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it.

Use a digital thermometer to check for when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 160 degrees F in the center of the meatloaf is what you are after.

Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It'll stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love these meal prep containers for storage. To freeze meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tuck it into a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave at 60% power for 1 to 2 minutes. Or bake covered in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

What to serve with meatloaf

Serve the meatloaf with Crispy Oven Fries or Garlic Butter Mushrooms with Blue Cheese. These are my favorite dishes to serve with this dish:

• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Corn Salad with Bacon
• Cauliflower Rice Pilaf {20 Minute Recipe}
• Do Ahead Twice Baked Potatoes