Classic Comfort Food Beef Meatloaf

Name: Classic Comfort Food Beef Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Highlighted under: Family Comforts

I love making Classic Comfort Food Beef Meatloaf because it brings back so many memories of family dinners growing up. There's something so satisfying about mixing the ingredients by hand and shaping the loaf with care. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply unbeatable. I enjoy adding a bit of tangy ketchup on top for that extra flavor boost. It's a straightforward recipe, and I always find that it tastes even better the next day. This meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:01:15.934Z

As I prepared this meatloaf, I experimented with adding chopped herbs to the mixture, which turned out to be a game-changer. I’ve always believed that fresh ingredients elevate the dish, and this was no exception. The combination of beef with aromatic onions and thyme really brings depth to the flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

One tip I’ve found to be incredibly useful is to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking. This simple step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is perfectly tender and moist. It’s little techniques like this that make all the difference in the end result!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners
Easy to customize with your favorite spices and herbs
Great for meal prep and delicious as leftovers

Understanding Your Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Classic Comfort Food Beef Meatloaf plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The ground beef forms the foundation, providing a rich meatiness that is essential for a traditional meatloaf. Choosing a good quality beef with a fat content around 80/20 will ensure your meatloaf is juicy and flavorful. This balance of fat is crucial because leaner cuts can result in a dry loaf, which is exactly what we want to avoid.

Breadcrumbs serve as a binding agent, absorbing moisture and helping to maintain the loaf's structure. Fresh breadcrumbs can result in a lighter texture as they tend to hold more moisture compared to dried varieties. If you find yourself without breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be good substitutes, although they may slightly alter the flavor profile of the final dish, providing a unique take on the classic recipe.

Mastering the Mixing Technique

Mixing the ingredients by hand can feel labor-intensive but is crucial for ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures. When combining the elements, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Aim to mix just until everything is combined—your mixture should still have some visible pieces of meat without being too mushy. A gentle folding motion works best to preserve the integrity of the beef.

As you shape the loaf, resist the temptation to pack it tightly into the pan. A light touch will allow air to circulate, resulting in a tender loaf with a beautiful texture. Use a loaf pan for a neatly shaped meatloaf; however, if you prefer a crustier exterior, you can form the mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet instead. This method will give you nicely caramelized edges, enhancing the overall flavor.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

After baking, it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice much more succulent. You can serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. For a twist, try adding a tangy side salad to balance out the richness, enhancing the meal’s appeal. A drizzle of gravy or some extra ketchup on top can take it to the next level.

For leftovers, store any uneaten meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also freeze slices for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Consider repurposing meatloaf sandwiches for a tasty lunch option!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious meatloaf:

Meatloaf Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the meatloaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/4 cup of ketchup, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Spread the remaining ketchup on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Your meatloaf is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For a spice boost, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce to the meat mixture. It enhances the flavor even more!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up the dish, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These lean meats will alter the flavor but can be just as satisfying when prepared well. To enhance moisture, you might want to add a few extra tablespoons of milk or finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, which will not only add moisture but also boost nutritional value.

For those who are gluten-free, using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats can seamlessly substitute the standard breadcrumbs without sacrificing texture. You might also consider a combination of crushed cornflakes and oat flour for a unique twist that maintains the meatloaf’s integrity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue people face with meatloaf is it falling apart while slicing. If you encounter this, it may be due to too much fat being rendered during cooking or not enough binding ingredients. To avoid this, ensure you’re using a suitable fat content in the ground beef and monitor the cooking temperature closely to prevent overcooking, which can cause excessive fat to leak out.

Another potential problem is the meatloaf being too dry. This could result from overmixing the ingredients or from cooking for too long. To counteract dryness, consider adding a small amount of grated cheese or even barbecue sauce into the mix to enhance moisture and flavor. Keeping an eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and pulling the meatloaf out as soon as it hits 160°F will also help maintain juiciness.

Creative Variations

To add some variety to your classic meatloaf, consider blending in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value. You can even play around with different types of cheese, like cheddar or feta, to give your meatloaf a surprising twist. Simply fold these additional ingredients into the mixture before shaping the loaf.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a barbecue or teriyaki glaze can be applied in the last 15 minutes of baking. This will caramelize on top, giving a beautiful glaze and a sweeter, tangy flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of fusion in their comfort food. Experimenting with spices such as smoked paprika or cumin can also elevate your meatloaf to new heights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Just be aware that turkey meatloaf may be drier, so consider adding more moisture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I freeze meatloaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

→ What sides pair well with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side salad are classic choices that complement meatloaf beautifully.