This Classic Meatloaf is probably just like your grandmother made! This meatloaf has a tangy and sweet BBQ style sauce on the top and is so moist!
Meatloaf is a mixture of meat, either beef or a mixture of meats, such as pork, lamb, venison, veal. The most popular mix is called “Meatloaf mix”, which is a mixture of beef, pork and veal. Meatloaf was made popular during the great recession and used to be a staple food in the 1950’s and 60’s.
As a child, I think that we ate meatloaf a few times per month. This was my mom’s go to recipe and we have been making it for many years, with good reason! It is the best meatloaf we have ever eaten.
What you need
- beef
- fresh bread crumbs
- eggs
- milk
- onions
- celery
- thyme
How to make classic meatloaf
- Measure and chop all ingredients.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk.
- Whisk eggs.
- Add all ingredients to large mixing bowl.
- Mix well with hands, but don’t overwork.
- Place meatloaf in large bread pan sprayed with no stick spray. Bake 1 hour.
- Meanwhile add sauce ingredients to small saucepan.
- Mix. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to low. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until meatloaf is done.
When meatloaf is almost cooked through, carefully remove from oven and brush with sauce. Bake for an additional 15 minutes to heat sauce. Serve with additional sauce at table.
What to Serve with Meatloaf
What goes well with Classic Meatloaf? Meatloaf is quite versatile and lends itself to pair with many other different side dishes. Such as;
- Simple Baked Potato (with our without sour cream)
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Colcannon
- Grilled Potatoes
- Spätzle
- Noodles with Butter
- Casserole Marie Blanche
- Peas
- Carrots
- Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Simple Side Salad
- Grilled Asparagus
Other Delicious Comfort Food Recipes on Binky’s Culinary Carnival
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That’s how easy it is to make Classic Meatloaf. Thanks for stopping by today!
Enjoy! And have fun cooking!
Xoxo,
📖 Recipe
Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 3/4 c fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 c Milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 lbs ground beef or use a mixture of beef, veal and pork
- 1/2 c diced onion
- 1/2 c diced celery
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp ground sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
For Sauce
- 3/4 c ketchup
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp worchestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic, granulated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Soak bread crumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- Whisk eggs.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix thoroughly, but do not overwork.
- Place meatloaf in a large bread pan, spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until browned on top and internal temperature measures 165°F. In the last 10 minutes, glaze the top with lots of the sauce.
For sauce
- Add all ingredients to small pot. Cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something, at no additional cost to you. See FTC Disclosure, here.
Susan
This was SO easy to make and my family loved the BBQ topping!
Beth Neels
Oh great! I’m so glad they liked it! Thanks Susan!
Julie
I always love your step by step instructions to make cooking easier! This looks like such a great meatloaf recipe for a family.
Beth Neels
Thank you Julie! I’m glad they are helpful to you!
Michelle
Best meatloaf ever! Really delicious. All the seasonings in this recipe are perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. That tangy sauce on top is soooo good.
Beth Neels
Thanks so much Michelle! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Lesli Schwartz
Nothing more comforting that a good meatloaf! The classic is always a winner! Looks beautiful and delicious!
Beth Neels
Thank you Lesli! Have a great weekend!
Veena Azmanov
I have made meat loaf many times but this saucy drizzle is so unique. It gives an awesome glaze to the meat loaf and makes it special and perfect too.
Beth Neels
Thanks Veena! I’m so glad you like it!
Heidy L. McCallum
I love a good classic meatloaf and your recipe really hit the spot last week. Everyone loved it.
Beth Neels
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! We really love it too! Thanks Heidy!
Jacqueline Debono
I love making meatloaf. It always goes down so well especially when my boys are visiting! Yours is mouth-watering! Will follow your recipe next time!
Beth Neels
Thank you Jacqueline! I appreciate that! Let me know how you like it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I tried your recipe last night and loved it! Can’t wait to make it again!
Beth Neels
I’m so glad! We love it too! Thanks Shadi!
Katie
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Beth Neels
So glad that you all liked it! it’s one of our favorites!