This is a Meatloaf recipe for people who love their Meatloaf oozing with flavour, moist and tender yet not crumble apart when sliced, and a sticky caramelised meatloaf glaze . It’s so much more than just a giant hunk of ground beef in a loaf shape!
This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
Meatloaf recipe
A loaf made entirely of meat. What’s not to love? (Vegetarians are excused 😉)
It’s economical. It’s quick to prepare. It’s a classic family favourite. And leftovers make terrific sandwiches.
If you think that Meatloaf is really just a giant beef burger shaped like a loaf, it’s time to abandon that misconception! Meatloaf shouldn’t taste like a hamburger! Meatloaf has more flavour because whereas you wouldn’t eat a hamburger without toppings, sauces, cheese and a bun, you can certainly eat Meatloaf plain because it’s so juicy and tasty!
The secret to making a meatloaf taste really good is to use fatty beef, plenty of flavourings and to grate your onion instead of dicing it.
A tastier, juicier meatloaf recipe
The secret to making a meatloaf taste really good is the beef (use at least 15% fat beef), plenty of flavourings and to grate your onion instead of dicing it.
Flavourings – In this meatloaf recipe, not only do we use the usual suspects like thyme, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, we give this a serious flavour boost by using beef bouillon cubes (granulated beef) instead of salt. Granulated beef bouillon has way more flavour than just plain salt!
Grating onion – this is an efficient and effective method I’ve been using for years and its grown quite a cult following since I started this website (see feedback on these Italian Meatballs!). The breadcrumbs soak up the onion juices and puff up during baking, making our meatloaf nice and tender. This also adds savoury onion flavour without the need of dicing them then frying them separately.
Meatloaf glaze
I also like to coat my meatloaf with a glaze which adds an extra something-something to the meatloaf both in looks and flavour.
Plus, it not only hides any cracks on the surface of the meatloaf – just think of that glaze dripping down into those cracks!
How to make meatloaf
And here’s process photos for how to make meatloaf. Also see the quick video below – you’ll see how tender the juicy this meatloaf is!
Tips and FAQ for the BEST Meatloaf!
Why does my meatloaf fall apart? Because the mixture wasn’t mixed together well enough, or the loaf wasn’t pressed together firmly. Using a loaf pan helps here! Also, some cracks is GOOD – extra flavour from the meatloaf glaze drips into the meatloaf.
Do you have to use a loaf pan? For the juiciest meatloaf, yes I strongly recommend using a loaf pan. It cooks more evenly, stays juicier because its cooking in its own juices and holds its shape.
If you freeform it (ie bake without a loaf pan), the ends/sides will overcook before the middle is cooked. And if it holds its form like a block loaf without using a loaf pan, your mixture is way too dense which will make your meatloaf dry!
Should I cover the meatloaf when baking? No, you want the meatloaf to brown and the glaze to caramelise! But if it browns too quickly, just pop foil over it.
How long does it take to cook a 1kg / 2lb meatloaf? 1 hr 15 minutes at 180°C / 350°F.
What to serve with meatloaf
I can’t think of a better way to serve Meatloaf than on a pile of creamy mashed potato, though for a lower carb version, cauliflower mash would be fantastic too.
Dollop of ketchup, a leafy salad or steamed greens with dressing and you have yourself an epic plate of home cooked comfort-food bliss, with the added bonus of meatloaf sandwiches to enjoy tomorrow! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Sometimes it helps to have a visual, so watch me make this Meatloaf recipe! I was a bit heavy handed with the extra ketchup at the end – oops! 😂
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
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Meatloaf recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
- 1 large onion , grated (brown, yellow)
- 1 kg / 2 lb ground beef (mince) , preferably not lean
- 2 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional), or 2 tsp dried parsley or basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 beef bouillon cubes , crumbled or 2 tsp beef powder (Note 2)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar , lightly packed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Oil or spray a loaf tin. (Note 3)
- Glaze: Mix together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Meatloaf: Place breadcrumbs in a very large bowl. Grate over onion. Mix so the breadcrumbs are all wet. (Note 4)
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix well using your hands. Form into a loaf shape, pinching together then smoothing over creases and cracks (helps prevent cracks during baking).
- Transfer into loaf tin. Brush generously with glaze, using about 1/2.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with most of the remaining glaze. If there is excess fat pooling, scoop/pour it off.
- Bake for a further 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Stand for 10 minutes before turning out and cutting into thick slices. You will probably get a bit of crumbling just on the edges of the first couple of slices, this is normal and indicative of the tenderness of the meatloaf (zero crumble indicates firm packed harder meatloaf which isn’t as enjoyable!).
- Ideal served with a dollop of ketchup, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Meatloaf recipe originally published March 2018. Updated for some housekeeping things and a brand new video. No change to the recipe – I wouldn’t dare, readers love it as it is!
More meatloaf recipes!
And more timeless, family favourites
Life of Dozer
So exhausted after a big play session at the beach, he didn’t even stir when I pulled out a giant hunk of beef today! 🥩
She said to GRATE the onion in the panko breadcrumbs so you didn’t have to COOK the onion! You need to READ the entire recipe and ABSORB its contents before making a comment such as this! At least you gave it 5 stars…
😂
Would it turn ok if you make the mixture during the day and put in the fridge and bake it for dinner ?
Yes! terrific idea! 🙂 N x
Good recipe, But wish you would have mentioned cooking the onions in the ingredient list. Thanks
You should’ve grated the onion as it said in the recipe.
I was hunting for meatloaf recipes today and found yours which looks amazing. Your blog always made me hungry Nagi 🙂
Thank you for the compliment Muna! N x
Could you please tell me what the UK weight equivalent for a cup is please. .different website state different ounces. .many thanks
HI Nagi and Dozer!
Hosted a Murder Mystery night recently and made this (first time making meatloaf) … OMG it was goooooood!!! Actually made a double batch (bought too much mince!) and added carrot and zucchini to it. YUM! Even my cousin who makes a killer meatloaf said he loved it!!
Then made the Sausage and Egg Country Breakfast the next morning which also got the thumbs up from our guests (off to leave a comment on that recipe too!)
Cannot love your recipes enough Nagi .. you need to add another star to the rating!!
I LOVE HEARING THAT!!! Oooh, I love that breakfast bake. I need to do it again sometime soon!!
Hi Nagi & Dozer!
Nagi, first, thank you for this site! I love your recipes.
Second, do you have any advice about a substitute for eggs in this recipe? I’m allergic, and over the years I’ve tried various solutions, depending on the type of recipe, including just leaving them out. But sometimes, like here, leaving them out is a big deal because I’m sure they are what helps hold the loaf together.
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Hi Micki! I’m so pleased you like my recipes, thank you! I’m sorry but I haven’t tried an egg substitute for this, I’m sorry! N x
Do you have a suggestion for a glaze that’s not sweet? My husband likes meatloaf with brown gravy. No glaze? Or will that make it not as moist?
Hi Sarah! Search for my Chicken with Mushroom Gravy or the Sausages with Onion Gravy and just make the gravy part. Use that! Just bake the meatloaf without the glaze, spray with oil so it gets nice browning, then serve with the gravy 🙂 N x
Thanks! I made this meatloaf recipe and decided to do pretty much the same thing. I mixed some brown gravy with a little bit of balsamic and used that as my glaze. Best meatloaf I ever made. Super moist, great flavor, great consistency. This recipe is a keeper! I stumbled upon your recipe, and I think I’ll add you to my list of favorites to follow 🙂
That’s wonderful to hear Sarah! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this! N x
Nagi,
This recipe was a hit with the family tonight! Look forward to trying again with the carrots next time. thank you for taking the time to share.
Best Regards,
Lewis
That’s terrific to hear the family enjoyed this Lewis! Thanks for letting me know – N x
This recipe is great. Really moist and great texture!
I used Kangaroo mince though so I used BBQ sauce (instead of ketchup) and blackberry jam (instead of sugar in the glaze) to match the gamier meat.
SO TASTY! thanks.
Terrific changes Josy! 🙂 N x
I found your recipe by chance. It looked really nice so I decided to try the recipe. After finished all the prep, I just realized –the loaf tin was packed away for some reason. So I used muffin tins instead and adjust the baking time. It turned out great!
Love hearing that Fren! Thanks for sharing your feedback! N x ❤️
Hello, Nagi and Dozer,
Flap in Northern California, staying indoors because of the awful wild fires which are raging in my area. I had to make some comfort food, and found your meatloaf. Super, so moist and flavorful I was very impressed. I loathe ketchup so I subbed that for some basic barbecue sauce, which I guess at least keeps the taste in the family. Long ago I learned to make meatloaf stretch a bit by adding a cup of shredded cheddar, so that went in, too. Oddly enough it isn’t a noticeable flavor, but adds to the moist texture very nicely. Taking into consideration my small changes, I am making your basic recipe my go-to from now on.
Thanks so very much for all your wonderful photos and delicious recipes.
Flap
Oh no Flap! That’s terrible 🙁 How bad is it? We are notorious for bushfires here in Australia. Please stay safe!
So gutted I missed the carrot part! Although it smells so good in the oven right now.. definitely will add carrot to bulk it up next time though. Thanks for a great recipe.
Wow just made this yummy meatloaf I did mine really flat my son was starving used chicken/turkey delicious, and the topping thanks so much 😋
Thank you thank you thank you! This has always been agonizing to me lol. I don’t ever know what to think when I come across these sad loaves of mushed up, dry, meat. It’s like everything was thrown into a food processor, pureed, and then squeezed together. The outcome is never good. I grew up learning better thank goodness :-). I will have to try your recipe at some point. It looks amazing! I love trying different things in mine. I especially like throwing some mushrooms in the mix. I can’t go without some good homemade mashed potatoes with it either.
I hope you get a chance to try it April!!
What if I don’t have a tin pan and only a glass one? Will it effect it?
That will be fine Amy! 🙂
Hello, I don’t have any bouillon. How much salt can I use??
I don’t think I will find the Worcestershire Sauce right here.
Is there any alternatives or can I skip it ?
N.B : First time to cook at all.
Nagi, You are a master in your art!! Love tour meatloaf recipe!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Gerry! N xx
Hi- wondering if dried thyme refers to powdered thyme or dry thyme leaves?
Thank you!
Leaves! Leaves is the default in recipes, if it’s powdered then a recipe will specify that 🙂 N x
Thank you. It was delicious❣️
That’s so great to hear Karen! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this! N x
My husband honestly hates meatloaf. I told him I was making a new recipe and he gave me that …ugh ok look . Well let me tell you this he LOVES THIS RECIPE!!! I am making it today and he said he can’t wait 😊. I made a slight change but it’s followed pretty much the same.
I’m glad he enjoyed this Cass! Thank you for letting me know 🙂 N x