The Best Moist & Tender Meatloaf Recipe: A Family Favorite for Even Picky Eaters
This isn’t your average, dry meatloaf! Get ready for a remarkably moist, incredibly tender, and utterly delicious homemade meatloaf that will convert even the most skeptical eaters. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping!
Let’s be honest right from the start. For many of us, the word “meatloaf” might conjure up memories of dry, uninspiring dinners from our childhood. I certainly shared that sentiment. Growing up, meatloaf was an occasional dinner feature, and frankly, I never looked forward to it. It often felt dense and lacking in flavor, leaving me less than impressed.
However, my father-in-law, a true enthusiast of hearty, Midwestern comfort food, could happily eat meatloaf several times a week. His passion for the dish intrigued me. So, when my mother-in-law shared a meatloaf recipe she had recently perfected – one that even *she* loved and her husband couldn’t get enough of – I knew I had to give it a try. To my absolute surprise, it completely revolutionized my perception of meatloaf!
Effortlessly Delicious: The Secret to This Easy Meatloaf
A few years ago, my mother-in-law finally stumbled upon a meatloaf recipe that not only pleased her discerning palate but also became a firm favorite with her husband. When she raved about it, I was immediately curious. She explained that its secret lay in a blend of fresh carrots, onions, and even a touch of cheese, all working together to ensure every bite was incredibly moist. Plus, using two different types of ground meat infused it with an unparalleled depth of flavor. This homemade meatloaf is remarkably straightforward to prepare and is nothing like the dry, bland versions I remembered from my youth.
Every slice of this meatloaf is super tender and wonderfully moist, a stark contrast to any past experiences. It truly stands out as the best meatloaf recipe I’ve ever found, consistently earning rave reviews from my entire family. Even the pickiest eaters at our table enjoy this comforting dish, making it a regular and much-anticipated meal in our rotation.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable meatloaf. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few quick tips:
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together.
- Milk: Any type of milk (whole, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative) will work to soften the bread and add moisture.
- Sliced Bread: Basic sandwich bread is ideal. Tearing it into pieces allows it to absorb the milk thoroughly. This is key for moisture!
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Grated Carrot: Not just for nutrition, finely grated carrots contribute to the meatloaf’s moisture and a subtle sweetness. For picky eaters, ensure they are very finely grated.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and locks in moisture, preventing the meatloaf from drying out. Avoid pre-shredded for best results.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.
- Dried Thyme: A classic seasoning for savory dishes, adding an earthy aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat mixture perfectly.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the foundational savory flavor. Using a lean cut helps prevent the meatloaf from becoming greasy.
- Ground Pork: The addition of ground pork contributes extra richness and tenderness, making for a truly succulent meatloaf.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of our sweet and tangy glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust for the topping.
- Yellow Mustard: A touch of mustard in the glaze provides a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Meatloaf
For your convenience, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.
- Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Pour in the milk and add the torn pieces of sliced bread. Let this mixture stand for a few minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb all the liquid. This crucial step ensures a wonderfully moist meatloaf and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Combine Aromatics and Seasonings: To the soaked bread mixture, add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all these ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Integrate the Meats: Now, add both the lean ground beef and the ground pork to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf. You want the ingredients just combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Line a standard loaf pan with plastic wrap, ensuring there’s enough overlap on the edges to easily pull it out later. Press the meat mixture firmly into the lined loaf pan, shaping it into a neat loaf.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully turn the loaf pan over onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Use the overhanging plastic wrap to assist you in easily removing the meatloaf from the pan. Discard the plastic wrap. Baking the meatloaf directly on a baking sheet, rather than in the loaf pan, allows for more even cooking and helps develop a delicious crust.
- Initial Bake: Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Prepare the Tangy Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the irresistible topping. In a small bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until they are smoothly combined.
- Apply Glaze and Finish Baking: After the initial 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it gently. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and no pink remains. For an extra flavorful crust, baste the meatloaf with the topping once more after 15 minutes of this second bake.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
Understanding Meatloaf Cooking Times
The cooking time for your meatloaf can vary slightly based on how you choose to bake it – whether in a loaf pan or directly on a baking sheet. On average, you can expect it to take approximately 75 to 90 minutes to reach perfect doneness.
- Baking on a Sheet Pan: When baking your meatloaf directly on a foil-lined baking sheet, it tends to cook more evenly and slightly faster, typically around 75 minutes. This method also allows for a delicious, slightly crispy exterior. You can baste the meatloaf with the glaze every 20 minutes during the final stage of baking for an extra flavorful crust.
- Baking in a Loaf Pan: If you opt to bake it entirely within a loaf pan, the cooking time will be closer to 90 minutes. The pan insulates the meatloaf, resulting in a slightly longer cook time.
- Key to Doneness: Regardless of the method, the most important factor is ensuring the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer. This guarantees the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf.
Expert Tips for the Best Meatloaf Ever
Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and tender meatloaf is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Moisture is Your Friend: The Bread & Milk Secret: The absolute key to a meatloaf that doesn’t dry out is the milk-soaked bread. While many recipes call for breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or even oatmeal, I’ve found that soaking fresh bread in milk creates a superior texture. It acts as an incredibly effective binder, holding everything together while infusing the meatloaf with unparalleled moisture. This method prevents a dense, crumbly texture, ensuring a tender and juicy result every time.
- Sneaky Veggies for Extra Moisture & Texture: The grated carrots in this recipe do more than just add a hint of sweetness and nutrition; they significantly contribute to the meatloaf’s moisture content and provide a pleasant, subtle texture. If you’re using pre-grated carrots from the store, they can sometimes be a bit long. For best results, especially with picky eaters, give them a quick chop to ensure they blend seamlessly into the mixture.
- Shaping & Baking for the Perfect Crust: I prefer to use a loaf pan to initially shape the meatloaf, which gives it a classic form. However, I then transfer it to a foil-lined sheet tray for baking. This method allows the meatloaf to cook more evenly from all sides, and the exterior develops a beautiful, slightly caramelized crust, especially once you apply the delicious glaze. Baking it free-form on a sheet pan also prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- The Power of Two Meats: This recipe utilizes a blend of lean ground beef and ground pork, and it’s a combination you definitely shouldn’t skip. The lean ground beef provides a robust, meaty flavor, while the ground pork adds a crucial amount of fat and tenderness, resulting in a much juicier and more flavorful meatloaf than using just beef alone. Opting for a lean cut of ground beef is important to ensure your meatloaf isn’t excessively greasy.
- Don’t Overmix! One of the most common mistakes when making meatloaf is overmixing the meat mixture. Too much handling can compress the protein fibers, leading to a tough, rubbery meatloaf. Mix just enough until the ingredients are combined. Your hands are the best tools for this!
- Resting is Essential: Just like with a steak or roast, allowing your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial. This time permits the internal juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring that every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful. Slicing too soon will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a drier result.
If you’ve been avoiding meatloaf for years, convinced it’s just not your thing, now is the perfect time to give it another chance! This is truly the recipe that converted me, and I’m confident it will convert you too.
Prepare Ahead: Can You Make Meatloaf in Advance?
Absolutely! Meatloaf is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights. Here’s how you can prepare it in advance:
Refrigerating Uncooked Meatloaf: You can assemble the meatloaf mixture and shape it in a loaf pan (or directly on a baking sheet) up to the point of placing it in the oven. Simply cover the uncooked meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature for more even baking.
Freezing Meatloaf for Later: Meatloaf is also fantastic for freezing, both raw and cooked:
- Uncooked Meatloaf: Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it. Tightly wrap the uncooked meatloaf first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, ensuring it’s sealed from freezer burn. Label with the date and place it in the freezer. It will remain fresh for 4-5 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the frozen meatloaf to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. It’s crucial that it’s completely thawed before baking to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperatures.
- Cooked Meatloaf: If you have leftovers or want to freeze an entire cooked meatloaf, allow it to cool completely. You can freeze it whole or slice it into individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Cooked meatloaf also lasts 4-5 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a wonderfully versatile main course that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. While meatloaf and creamy Mashed Potatoes remains a timeless classic, here are a few other delicious ideas to complement your meal:
- Tossed Salad: A fresh, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus adds a touch of green and earthy flavor.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: A warm, savory bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious meatloaf juices.
- Homemade Gravy: Elevate your meatloaf with a rich, savory gravy, made from pan drippings or a simple stock.
- Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: For a comforting and slightly sweet side, this casserole is an excellent choice.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic comfort food pairing that complements the hearty meatloaf.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple, healthy green vegetable.
More Delicious & Comforting Dinner Recipes
If you’re looking for more hearty and satisfying meals to add to your rotation, explore these other comforting dinner recipes:
- Shrimp Scampi: A quick and flavorful pasta dish with succulent shrimp.
- Buffalo Chicken Chili: A spicy and warming chili, perfect for a cozy evening.
- Copycat KFC Bowl: Recreate a fast-food favorite at home with this fun and easy bowl.
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken: A set-it-and-forget-it meal bursting with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy, and spicy twist on a beloved classic.
- French Onion Pork Chops: Tender pork chops smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole: All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole form.
Best Meatloaf Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
Loaf Pan
-
Small Sheet Pan
-
GIR Spatula
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 whole large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 slices bread, torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
Topping
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
-
In a large bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the milk and the torn bread pieces. Let sit for a few minutes until the bread absorbs all the liquid, ensuring a moist foundation for your meatloaf.
-
Add in the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheese, fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix until all these ingredients are thoroughly and evenly combined.
-
Add the lean ground beef and ground pork. Using your hands, mix gently but thoroughly, just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
-
Line a standard loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to assist with removal. Press the meat mixture firmly into the pan, shaping it into a compact loaf.
-
Turn the loaf pan over onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Carefully remove and discard the plastic wrap. Baking on a sheet allows for better browning and a crisper exterior.
-
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
-
While the meatloaf bakes, combine the topping ingredients (tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard). After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and no longer pink. For a richer glaze, baste the meatloaf with the topping after 15 minutes of this final bake.
-
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist meatloaf.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I’ve created a fantastic community on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely delighted for you to join us! It’s a vibrant space where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on all the new and exciting recipes from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts, ensuring you never miss a delicious post!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Don’t forget to follow me on my social media channels so you never miss a post or a new recipe!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram