Quick Benefits
This Best Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food — easy to prepare, loaded with savory flavors, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. With a mix of beef and pork, veggies, cheese, and a sweet tomato glaze, it’s hearty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, leftovers are just as tasty, making it a practical meal prep option too.
Essential Ingredients
- Protein: Lean ground beef & ground pork – a balanced combo for moisture and flavor.
- Binder: Eggs, bread, and milk – to keep it moist and structured.
- Flavor Boosters: Onion, grated carrot, parsley, thyme, and cheddar cheese.
- Glaze: A sweet-savory mix of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Optional Add-ins: Celery, bell peppers, or a dash of Worcestershire.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in milk and bread pieces. Let the bread soak.
- Add onion, carrot, cheese, parsley, salt, thyme, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add ground beef and pork. Gently combine without overmixing.
- Press the mixture into a plastic-lined loaf pan, then invert it onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Mix tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spoon glaze over meatloaf and bake for another 30 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.
- Vegetable-Filled: Carrot and onion add fiber, vitamins, and texture.
- Calcium: Cheddar cheese contributes to bone health.
- Customizable: You can reduce sugar or use leaner meats to make it lighter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meatloaf:
- With mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or buttered corn.
- On toasted bread as a meatloaf sandwich.
- With gravy or extra glaze on the side.
- Garnished with chopped fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Creative Variations
- Swap the glaze: Try BBQ sauce, sriracha ketchup, or a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Add veggies: Finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheese it up: Add cubes of mozzarella or pepper jack inside.
- Make it mini: Use a muffin tin to make meatloaf muffins for portion control and faster baking.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and wrap individually, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave or oven (covered with foil to prevent drying).
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix – it can make the loaf tough.
- Let the loaf rest after baking to hold its shape when slicing.
- If using leaner meat, consider adding a splash of milk or broth for added moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef/pork?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great, though it may be slightly drier. Consider adding extra veggies or cheese for moisture.
Q: What can I use instead of bread?
A: Try rolled oats or crushed crackers – they work well as binders too.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Best Meatloaf
This Best Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful classic made with a mix of ground beef and pork, enhanced with cheddar cheese, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s finished with a sweet and tangy tomato glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for family dinners and delicious as leftovers, this meatloaf is juicy, tender, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2/3 cup milk
3 slices bread, torn into pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk and torn bread pieces. Let it sit for a few minutes until the bread absorbs all the liquid.
Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, salt, thyme, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add the lean ground beef and ground pork to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and transfer the meatloaf mixture into the pan. Press down to shape the meatloaf into the loaf pan.
Invert the loaf pan onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then carefully remove the plastic wrap.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the topping by combining the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl.
After 45 minutes of baking, spoon the topping over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center. Baste the meatloaf with the topping halfway through the baking time.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~380 per serving
