How do you know when a meatloaf is done?

The best way to know your meatloaf is done is by checking its u003cstrongu003einternal temperatureu003c/strongu003e with a meat thermometer. It should reach u003cstrongu003e160°F (71°C)u003c/strongu003e at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small slice in the center—there should be no pink meat, and the juices should run clear.

What does meatloaf taste like?

A traditional u003cstrongu003emeatloaf recipeu003c/strongu003e tastes u003cstrongu003esavory, juicy, and slightly sweetu003c/strongu003e if topped with a ketchup-based glaze. The texture is tender but firm, with rich flavors from herbs, onions, and spices. Each bite is hearty and comforting—true Americana on a plate.

Why does meatloaf crack?

Cracking usually happens when your meatloaf is baked at u003cstrongu003etoo high a temperatureu003c/strongu003e, or the loaf is u003cstrongu003epacked too tightlyu003c/strongu003e. Overmixing can also contribute. Letting it rest before slicing and baking at a moderate 350°F helps prevent cracks.

Should meatloaf be covered when cooking?

Typically, u003cstrongu003enou003c/strongu003e. A meatloaf should be baked u003cstrongu003euncoveredu003c/strongu003e to allow the glaze to caramelize and the edges to brown. However, if it’s browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil during the final 15–20 minutes of baking.

Meatloaf Recipe: Best Ever Classic Dinner (Easy & Juicy)2025

Name: Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meatloaf:; 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended); ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; ¾ cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion (finely diced); 1 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; For the Glaze:; ½ cup ketchup; ½ cup chili sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

Description

This juicy, classic meatloaf recipe is packed with flavor and family tradition. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and a sweet glaze, it’s an easy, make-ahead comfort food favorite that’s perfect for dinner and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
¾ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 small onion (finely diced)
1 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
½ cup ketchup
½ cup chili sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in butter until soft. Let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to soak.
Add eggs, beef, cooked onions, ketchup, seasoning, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix just until combined (don’t overmix).
Shape mixture into an 8″x4″ loaf on the baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
While baking, mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
After 40 minutes, spread glaze over the meatloaf, then return to oven for 15–25 more minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Don’t skip soaking the breadcrumbs — it keeps the loaf moist.

Avoid loaf pans if you want a crispy exterior.

You can substitute ground beef with turkey or a mix of beef and pork.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

For extra moisture, add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the mix.

Want to spice it up? Add 1 tsp of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 510