Go Back
–+ servings
Meatloaf with slices on a plate
Print Recipe
5 from 43 votes

Best Meatloaf Recipe

This Traditional Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Made with beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and a classic ketchup topping, it is the perfect comfort food dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meatloaf
Servings: 8
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Equipment

  • Loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (semi-lean)
  • 1 pound ground pork (semi-lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup onion chopped fine
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped fine
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 cup ketchup divided

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Stir breadcrumbs and flour into the meat. Set aside.
    Meatloaf dry ingredients in a bowl including ground meats, flour, and breadcrumbs.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, red pepper, and carrot. Sauté until onions are translucent.
    Sautéed veggies for meatloaf including onions, peppers, and carrot.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    Eggs beaten for meatloaf recipe.
  • Stir the whisked egg mixture, the sautéed veggies, and 1/2 cup ketchup into the meat. It will be thick, so use a strong wooden spoon or your hands to mix it all in (Tip:Use kitchen gloves to keep your hands clean!). Press the seasoned meat into a loaf pan, as pictured.
    Raw meatloaf in a loaf pan
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and spread 1/4 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf. Bake an additional 45 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160-degrees.
    Cooked Meatloaf in a pan
  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve!
    Meatloaf dinner on a plate

Video

Notes

  • Use semi-lean beef and pork for the best flavor and texture
  • Do not overmix or the meatloaf can turn out tough
  • Finely chop the vegetables so they cook evenly and blend into the meatloaf
  • Sautéing the vegetables first adds better flavor and keeps the texture tender
  • Bake until the center reaches 160 degrees F
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing
  • Ketchup is important for both flavor and moisture in this recipe
  • You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking
  • It can be frozen before or after baking
  • To smoke the meatloaf, shape it free-form, smoke at 250 to 275 degrees F, and cook until the center reaches 160 degrees F

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 999mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1839IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 3mg