Grandma’s Secret Juicy Meatloaf Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crafting a truly meatloaf that bursts with flavor isn’t just about mixing ingredients.

Meat selection matters more than most home cooks realize.

Quality ground beef creates the foundation for an incredible dish.

Herbs and spices add remarkable depth to each savory bite.

Salt and pepper become your secret weapons in building intense taste profiles.

Moisture matters immensely when you want a tender, delectable result.

When you slice into this delightful creation, each forkful promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Why Healthy Juicy Meatloaf Feels Like a Hug on a Plate

• Savor Flavor Fusion: Combines ground beef and pork for a rich, complex taste profile that elevates traditional meatloaf to a gourmet experience.
• Master Comfort Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen enthusiasts.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Versatile dish that works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings, satisfying both kids and adults with its delicious glaze and hearty meat blend.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with protein, herbs, and balanced ingredients, this meatloaf offers a wholesome meal that's both delicious and nourishing.

Everything You Need for This Juicy Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and lean protein that forms the primary foundation of the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and moisture to create a more complex meat texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Milk: Help bind the meat together and provide a tender, soft internal structure.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and savory notes to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the meat.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces a bright, herbaceous element to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes and adds a glossy finish to the meatloaf.

How to Bake Healthy and Juicy Meatloaf Simply

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F and lightly spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Meat Masterpiece

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a rich and flavorful meat base that promises incredible taste.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Binding Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk

Mix carefully to maintain a tender texture without overworking the meat.

Step 4: Infuse Flavor Explosion

• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, using gentle pressure to form a compact, uniform loaf that will cook evenly.

Step 6: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Glaze the Meatloaf

Spread the tangy glaze completely over the surface of the meatloaf, ensuring full coverage for a delicious caramelized finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf and drizzle any remaining glaze over the portions. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Meatloaf Every Time

• Prevent Dry Meat: Mix ground beef and pork to create a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf that stays moist during cooking.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients lightly with your hands, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture tender and prevent dense, tough meatloaf.
• Glaze for Extra Flavor: Brush the ketchup-based glaze multiple times during baking to enhance moisture and add a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe, perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying out the meat.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking, letting juices settle and ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.

Twists to Try With Healthy Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace worcestershire sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf: Mix in diced green chiles, replace parsley with cilantro, use pepper jack cheese, and add cumin for a zesty southwestern kick.
• BBQ Ranch Meatloaf: Substitute ketchup glaze with a tangy ranch and smoky BBQ sauce blend, sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the meat mixture for extra richness.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Fold sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture, top with swiss cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking, and use a red wine reduction glaze for depth of flavor.

Sides That Match Juicy Meatloaf Perfectly

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its robust texture and enhancing the savory profile.
• Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a smooth, buttery side dish that perfectly absorbs the tangy glaze and provides a comforting contrast to the meat's dense consistency.
• Roast Colorful Vegetables: Add honey-glazed carrots or herb-roasted Brussels sprouts to bring brightness and nutritional balance, their caramelized edges matching the meatloaf's sweet and savory glaze.
• Match Classic Beer Pairing: Select an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that echo the Worcester sauce and brown sugar notes, creating a harmonious drinking experience alongside the hearty main dish.

How to Store and Reheat Meatloaf the Right Way

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap cooled meatloaf completely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Slice meatloaf and warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Cut meatloaf into individual servings before storing, making future meals quick and convenient.

Meatloaf FAQs for Beginners

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination provides richer flavor and ensures a more tender, juicy meatloaf by balancing fat content and texture.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can use soy sauce or steak sauce as alternative flavor enhancers that add similar depth to the meat mixture.

• How do I prevent my meatloaf from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the meat, use a mixture of ground meats, add moisture with milk and eggs, and don’t overcook – remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 160°F.

• Is it necessary to let the meatloaf rest after cooking?

Absolutely. Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful final dish.

Juicy Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Classic Meatloaf” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Packed with savory ground beef, herbs, and a tangy glaze, you’ll savor each rich, satisfying bite of this timeless American favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
• 0.5 lbs (225 g) ground pork

Binding and Moisture:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Glaze:

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of non-stick spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, creating a balanced meat mixture.
3. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk to the meat, gently blending to ensure even distribution without overmixing.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onion, minced garlic, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley into the meat mixture, thoroughly distributing seasonings.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a compact, uniform loaf with gentle pressure.
6. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and dijon mustard to create a glossy, tangy glaze.
7. Spread the glaze evenly over the surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
10. Slice and serve the meatloaf, drizzling any remaining glaze over the individual portions.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense texture; mix ingredients gently with light hand.
• Elevate moisture by adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini, which keep meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for low-carb or celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg