A Classic, Hearty Family Favorite

Few dishes bring comfort and nostalgia like a classic All-American Meatloaf. This juicy, flavorful meatloaf is packed with ground beef, breadcrumbs, savory seasonings, and a tangy, sweet ketchup glaze. It’s the ultimate homestyle dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family meals.

I love this recipe because it’s simple, easy to customize, and leftovers taste even better the next day. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttered green beans for a truly classic American meal.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What type of ground beef is best for meatloaf?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef may turn out dry.

Q: Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats.

Q: Can I prepare meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How do I prevent meatloaf from falling apart?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs and eggs to help bind everything together. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking also helps it hold its shape.

Q: Can I freeze meatloaf?

Yes! Wrap the uncooked meatloaf in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

What You Need to Make All-American Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make All-American Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

3. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
5. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Shape & Bake

6. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet (or press into a loaf pan).
7. Bake for 35 minutes uncovered.

Step 4: Make & Apply the Glaze

8. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
9. Remove meatloaf from the oven and spread glaze evenly over the top.
10. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

11. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
12. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

✔ Use fresh breadcrumbs – They help retain moisture better than dry ones.
✔ Don’t overmix – This keeps the meatloaf from becoming tough.
✔ Bake on a sheet pan – A loaf pan traps liquid, while a sheet pan allows for a caramelized crust.
✔ Let it rest before slicing – This keeps the juices inside the meatloaf.
✔ Want extra moisture? – Mix in ½ cup shredded cheese or finely grated carrot for added richness.

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “The best meatloaf I’ve ever made! The glaze was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make! I added a little cheddar cheese inside, and it was amazing.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Classic comfort food! My whole family loved it, and the leftovers were even better!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I used ground turkey instead of beef, and it still turned out great!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “The glaze is what makes this meatloaf next-level! Will be making it again.”

Printable Recipe

All American Meatloaf

Yield: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This All-American Meatloaf is a juicy, flavorful family favorite, topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Easy to make and perfect for any dinner!

Print

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• For the Glaze:
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Shape & Bake

1. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet (or press into a loaf pan).
2. Bake for 35 minutes uncovered.

Step 4: Make & Apply the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Remove meatloaf from the oven and spread glaze evenly over the top.
3. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If you loved this All-American Meatloaf, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves classic homestyle cooking. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!