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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Granny's Classic Meatloaf Recipe

    Published: November 9, 2019 · Updated: April 19, 2020 · By: Krissy · 180 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    how to make the best meatloaf recipe
    classic meatloaf recipe

    The best easy comfort food recipe you can make using ground beef and a tasty sticky sauce on top is Granny's Classic Meatloaf. This is the ultimate easy-to-make dinner that your entire family will enjoy.

    slice of classic homemade meatloaf

    Why this recipe works:

    If you're wondering what to cook for dinner tonight, you can't go wrong with a Classic Meatloaf. There are a ton of different recipes out there, but this one is different. There are several reasons this recipe has been viewed over 1 Million times!

    This recipe incorporates chopped sauteed onions into the meatloaf which adds amazing texture and flavor. It takes a bit of time and effort but you'll find that it is totally worth it.

    This recipe uses milk. It may seem odd, but the milk adds a richness and really helps it keep it's shape.

    Most importantly, the simple sauce on top adds a tremendous amount of flavor and gets wonderfully sticky as it cooks.

    How to make this recipe:

    This classic recipe consists of two parts: the meatloaf and the sauce on top.

    To make the meatloaf:

    1. Start by sauteing some onion and garlic in butter (photo 1 below). Adding raw onion to the meatloaf would be too intense. Cooking them first and allowing them to cool before combining with the remaining ingredients allows you to get the best onion and garlic flavors without them being to harsh or intense.
    2. Next, the recipe is super easy to make because you simply add the ground beef to a large bowl (photo 2) and add all of the remaining ingredients including an egg, panko bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and salt (photo 3) along with the cooled sauteed onion and garlic.
    3. Once mixed, the meatloaf gets shaped it into a mound on a baking sheet (photo 4). I always use parchment paper for easy clean up. This is how my family has been making meatloaf since I was a kid.

    To make the sauce:

    1. While the meatloaf is cooking, mix up the super simple sauce (photo 5). This easy combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard is just what the meatloaf needs.
    2. Half way though the cooking time, the meatloaf gets covered in the sauce which gets extra sticky and delicious while it cooks.
    step by step process photos of how to make the best meatloaf recipe

    How long to cook it:

    There are two considerations when cooking a meatloaf recipe like this one: cook time and temperature. You see, depending on the size and shape of the meatloaf you make, the time will vary.

    If you make it in a loaf pan, your cooking time could be longer because the meatloaf is taller and more compact.

    If you bake it on a baking sheet like I did, it will generally be more flat, thus increasing it's surface area and cooking faster.

    A general cooking time range would be anywhere from an hour to an hour and twenty minutes.

    The only sure way to know when your homemade meatloaf is done cooking is to verify the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.

    slices of the best classic meatloaf with ketchup topping

    Cooking tips for perfect results:

    • Don't over work the meatloaf while mixing. Mix it just until everything is combined.
    • If you really like the ketchup topping, double that part of the recipe!
    • If you prefer the crunchy outer layer, consider making your meatloaf flat so that you have more surface area to get crispy. This will also reduce your cooking time.
    • Always use a trusted meat thermometer to verify that the meatloaf is done.

    Side dish recipe recommendations:

    You can't enjoy the perfect homemade meatloaf without some tasty side dishes to go alongside it. Here are some of my favorites.

    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Gorgonzola Celery Root Mashed Potatoes
    • Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
    • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
    • Perfect Garlic Sauteed Asparagus

    Recipe video below!

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave me a comment below to let me know what you think!

    how to make the best classic homemade meatloaf recipe

    Granny's Classic Meatloaf

    The best easy meatloaf recipe you can make using ground beef and a tasty meatloaf sauce on top is Granny's Classic Meatloaf.
    5 from 170 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!

    CLICK TO PLAY RECIPE VIDEO

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
    Hover to scale: 8 servings
    Chef: Krissy Allori

    Ingredients

    Meatloaf:

    • 1 medium sized onion (diced)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    Topping (see note):

    • ½ cup ketchup
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven or grill to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
    • Melt butter in saute pan over medium heat. Cook onions until fragrant and slightly brown while stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
    • In large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and cooked onions and garlic. Use hands to mix well, but try not to over work the meat. Shape into loaf on parchment lined baking sheet. Use sharp knife to cut a criss cross pattern on top.
    • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 40 minutes. While meatloaf is cooking, combine ketchup with mustard and brown sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
    • After 40 minutes of cooking, spread ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking for about 30-35 minutes to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

    Notes

    Cooking tips for perfect results:

    • Don't over work the meatloaf while mixing. Mix it just until everything is combined.
    • If you really like the ketchup topping, double that part of the recipe!
    • If you prefer the crunchy outer layer, consider making your meatloaf flat so that you have more surface area to get crispy. This will also reduce your cooking time.
    • Always use a trusted meat thermometer to verify that the meatloaf is done.

    NUTRITION INFORMATION

    Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 432mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2.9mg
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    This recipe was originally created in October 2018 and has been updated with helpful information and cooking tips. Don't worry - I didn't change the recipe!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Margaret

      April 24, 2022 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe ! Just as I remember when I was a child .
      I made 2 loaves and had leftovers.. even better the next day. Definitely recommend making it the night before .

      Reply
    2. Steph

      March 30, 2022 at 5:28 am

      Would I still use a whole egg if I am only using 1 lb of ground beef?

      Reply
      • Krissy

        April 03, 2022 at 6:38 am

        yes, I would

        Reply
    3. Teri

      March 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm

      With a name like “ Granny’s recipe “ how could you go wrong! We love this recipe. I added a half of cup of mozzarella shredded cheese and forth cup of red pepper ( just to try something different)….mmm mmmm good!! Love the crisscross on the top of the loaf ,the ketchup topping works it way down into the nooks and crannies great idea ..Happy cooking😁

      Reply
    4. Sandy Nichols

      March 16, 2022 at 8:25 am

      Can you use bread crumbs instead of panko

      Reply
      • Krissy

        April 03, 2022 at 6:49 am

        Yep!

        Reply
    5. Linda

      February 09, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      I've made this meatloaf several times my family loves it !!!

      Reply
    6. Monica

      February 08, 2022 at 6:18 pm

      The best meatloaf recipe ever! I have made several different kinds, came across this one. My kids said it was the best meatloaf I have ever made. Delicious! And will forever make this one.

      Reply
    7. Joy Jacobs

      February 02, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy. I took someone’s suggestion and made 1/2 recipe since there’s only 2 of us and I’m working on having less leftovers. Hubby never cared for the tomato topping so I used one package of brown gravy mix prepared, poured it on top and kept spooning it over the top as it thickened. Yum

      Reply
    8. Renay

      January 18, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! Next time I'll set aside more time, and closely read the recipe before trying it. Very good!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 22, 2022 at 9:13 am

        Can you use crackers instead of bread crumbs

        Reply
        • Krissy

          May 04, 2022 at 6:08 am

          Absolutely!

          Reply
    9. Betty

      December 19, 2021 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      One of my all time favorites!! My best friend said it was better than his moms!!

      Reply
      • Joe Lillo

        January 23, 2022 at 8:34 am

        5 stars
        I use this recipe every time I make meatloaf. It comes out perfect every time. Thank you.

        Reply
    10. Trina Mathison

      December 16, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times whether with family or company. Delish.

      Reply
      • Laurell

        January 19, 2022 at 3:27 pm

        5 stars
        Love this recipe! We attempted to try a different recipe to just see how it was but it just wasnt as good as this one. Went right back to making your recipe. Its a big hit in our house!

        Reply
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