There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade meatloaf, with its rich, hearty flavors and nostalgic charm. This Picture-Perfect Meatloaf lives up to its name, featuring a glossy, tangy glaze and perfectly sliced portions that make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’ve been making meatloaf for years or this is your first time diving into the world of classic comfort food, this recipe is foolproof and delivers a moist, flavorful result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

Tender and Moist: The combination of ground beef (or a beef-pork mix), milk, and breadcrumbs ensures that each slice is tender without being dry.
Rich, Balanced Flavors: This meatloaf gets a boost from minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried parsley, creating layers of savory goodness.
Perfectly Tangy Glaze: A blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar adds a glossy finish and a sweet-tangy contrast to the hearty meat base.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.

The Secret to a Perfect Meatloaf

The key to a juicy and flavorful meatloaf lies in not overmixing the ingredients. Once you’ve combined the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and spices, mix everything together just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, but keeping it light ensures that your meatloaf stays tender. Another secret? Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is as juicy as possible.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Perfect Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tsp mustard (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together gently. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf shape, making sure it’s even for consistent cooking.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. This glaze is key to adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf. Spread half of this glaze over the top of the shaped meatloaf.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Halfway through baking, take the meatloaf out and brush the remaining glaze over the top. This gives the meatloaf that picture-perfect glossy finish.
Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the meatloaf easier to slice and ensuring it stays moist.
Enjoy: Slice up the meatloaf and serve it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. You’ve just made a delicious, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf

Customizing the Flavor: You can easily adjust the flavor profile of this meatloaf to suit your tastes. Swap the smoked paprika for chili powder if you want a little heat, or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
Make-Ahead Option: Want to prep ahead of time? Assemble the meatloaf and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Adding Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrition, finely grate carrots or zucchini and mix them into the meatloaf. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the texture and flavor of the dish intact.