Classic Family Meatloaf Recipe - The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe Your Family Will Absolutely Love

Classic Family Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, homey, and full of flavor, this classic meatloaf hits the spot. It’s the kind of elevated comfort food that brings everyone to the table — tender, juicy, and topped with a rich, sticky glaze. I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it step-by-step, with the techniques that keep it moist and deeply flavorful every time.

This is my go-to modern take on meatloaf — rooted in Appalachian food traditions but updated for today’s tastes. Whether you’re just learning to cook or you’ve made meatloaf a hundred times, I’ll explain not just how to make it, but why each step matters, so you can adapt it to your own kitchen.

The full recipe is below — let’s cook, y’all. We’ve got a family to feed.

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 small onion, grated (with juices)
1 medium carrot, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 pounds (900g) ground beef (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)

Glaze:
3/4 cup ketchup
2 ounces (about 1/4 cup) brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Small pinch of salt

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir in the grated onion, grated carrot, and breadcrumbs until well combined.

Add the ground beef and mix gently until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Transfer to a loaf pan or casserole dish and shape into a loaf.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

While the meatloaf bakes, mix together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.

After 30 minutes, spoon or brush the glaze over the meatloaf and return to the oven. Bake an additional 20 minutes. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean slices and the best texture.