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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Granny's Classic Meatloaf Recipe

    Published: November 9, 2019 · Updated: April 19, 2020 · By: Krissy · 197 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!

    sliced homemade meatloaf with ketchup sauce on top

    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 180 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
    Scale: 8 servings
    Recipe Created By: Krissy Allori

    Ingredients

    Meatloaf:

    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 medium sized yellow onion (diced)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (can use less or replace with 1Tbsp fresh 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°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
    • In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Stir to combine.
    • Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onions until they are fragrant and slightly brown while stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 2-3 additional minutes. Remove the pan from heat and set it aside to cool.
    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, soaked bread crumbs with the milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and the cooked onions and garlic. Use your hands to combine the mixture, but try not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into a loaf on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a crisscross pattern on top.
    • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 40 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, combine ketchup with mustard and brown sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
    • After 40 minutes of cooking, spread the sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking for about 30-35 minutes to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

    Notes

    Cooking tips for perfect results:

    • Don't overwork the meatloaf while mixing. Mix it just until everything is combined.
    • Since it was rec
    • If you prefer the crunchy outer layer, consider making the 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: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
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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!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sandra Barca

      November 17, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      My boyfriend said give me some elbow room I made Granny’s meatloaf it was amazing
      Thank you for recipe.

      Reply
    2. Cindy

      November 05, 2021 at 10:43 am

      I’m Asian and was struggling with cooking American food. Meatloaf is my husband’s favorite meal. I tried several recipe and failed. I’m so glad I found this recipe and I’d been using this ever since. The best!!! Problem solved ❤️

      Reply
      • Krissy

        November 14, 2021 at 8:54 am

        Yay! Thank you so much for letting me know and I'm happy he enjoys it!

        Reply
        • Julia

          December 02, 2021 at 12:09 pm

          Can I use half and half?

          Reply
          • Krissy

            December 14, 2021 at 11:54 am

            Yep. It will just make it more rich.

            Reply
    3. CC

      October 16, 2021 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      I'm sure I've commented about this meatloaf in the past, but it's seriously my and my family's absolute favorite. I've made it at least twenty times over the last few years. Easiest prep and cook. Freaking ridiculously simple and delicious. Thank you for the umpteenth time!

      Reply
      • Stacy M

        October 31, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        5 stars
        My meatloaf has always tasted more like a meatball than a meatloaf. This recipe was completely out of my wheelhouse. I mean milk in hamburger! Never heard of that before. However this was amazing, I added bacon and cheddar cheese and my family all went back for more! Definitely will be making it again.

        Reply
        • Krissy

          November 03, 2021 at 6:43 am

          I struggled with adding the milk the first time too. We just made it again last week and I had forgotten how important that milk was to the texture! This time I threw some crispy onion pieces on top - the kind you put on green bean casserole at Thanksgiving.

          Reply
    4. Daniel C Driver

      October 08, 2021 at 4:59 pm

      5 stars
      I prefer crushed tomato sauce instead of ketchup. I also added bell pepper, cheese, and ginger. I meant to include the cheese to the mixture, but didn't remember until too late. So, I added the cheese to the top before finished baking.

      Reply
    5. Amy Limehouse

      September 08, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe and everyone who tries loves it too. I sauté half a green bell pepper and half an onion instead of a whole onion. Moist and delicious!

      Reply
    6. Brenda Burton

      August 28, 2021 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      It was great, but I will adjust the sauce or alter a bit next time as my sons and husband found it too sweet. One question- in the video you are cook it on a baking sheet, but under the parchment paper, do you use a rack? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Starz1288

        June 09, 2022 at 4:49 pm

        Try BBQ sauce!! Thay what my family even me likes the most on it!!

        Reply
    7. Sheila B

      August 26, 2021 at 3:22 am

      5 stars
      Have always loved meatloaf. But this one is my most favorite. Thank you.

      Reply
    8. Stephanie

      August 04, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best meatloaf recipe I have made! The family devoured it. I was hoping for leftovers, but I guess not! Delicious! Thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
    9. Debbie

      July 27, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      This is a keeper.

      Reply
    10. Muffy

      July 22, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Outstanding. Moist. Delicious. I had Dijon mustard not brown. Very good.

      Reply
      • Chris G.

        August 01, 2021 at 2:33 pm

        I agree . I made this meatloaf today for the second time and it’s so good! give this a five ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

        Reply
        • Krissy

          August 02, 2021 at 5:39 am

          Glad you liked it! Not sure why it wouldn't let you give it a rating of 5, but I really appreciate the comment!

          Reply
        • Tyla

          September 29, 2021 at 6:48 am

          Is the nutritional information per serving?

          Thanks 🙂

          Reply
          • Krissy

            September 30, 2021 at 6:02 am

            yes

            Reply
    11. Pam McNulty

      July 19, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      Best meatloaf I have ever tasted and so easy to make! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    12. Virginia

      July 18, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      Tonight's dinner... great

      Reply
    13. Christine

      June 08, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this for dinner and it’s awesome will be my go to recipe.Thank you.

      Reply
    14. Susan A Johnson

      May 25, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was the best meatloaf that I've ever had. I was so proud. I new I should have taken a picture. I'll make it again. Thank you

      Reply
    15. P J Parker

      May 13, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      My husband, company and I loved this! Thank you for sharing. His birthday is this weekend and we expect about 20 for dinner...guess what I am cooking....Granny's meatloaf!!

      Cheers!

      Reply
    16. Nicole

      April 30, 2021 at 6:07 am

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! I doubled mine for two. Has that classic taste. I added more ketchup to mine and didn't sauté my onions because we like that little crispy onion.

      Reply
    17. Sandra

      March 30, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      I made this for supper and everyone loved it. I will defiantly be making it again.

      Reply
    18. LEONARD BANKS

      March 24, 2021 at 2:59 am

      5 stars
      NEVER MADE THIS BEFORE IT WAS SO EASY AND TASTED FANTASTIC

      Reply
    19. Carolann

      March 17, 2021 at 5:37 am

      5 stars
      Deliciously good old-fashioned meatloaf.

      Reply
    20. Kathy

      March 14, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I both loved this recipe. This meatloaf was flavorful, moist and tender and baking it on the cookie sheet with parchment paper let the extra oils escape making this a less greasy meatloaf. Genius! My husband who usually takes me out for lunch on Sundays wanted to come home for more of this meatloaf (and a side of baked & mashed butternut squash) instead! I doubled the sauce as others suggested.

      Reply
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