When it comes to comfort food, few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked goodness quite like a classic meatloaf. Growing up, my family always looked forward to this hearty meal, where savory flavors meld together into a satisfying loaf that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, and it brings everyone together at the table. With its tender interior and flavorful glaze, this homemade meatloaf recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household.

Why you’ll love this dish

Why cook meatloaf at home? For starters, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy families or those new to cooking. This dish offers a fantastic return on minimal effort. You can throw together the ingredients in just a few minutes, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly: you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already.

Take a moment to consider this glowing review from a happy home chef:

“I made this meatloaf for my family last week, and it was a hit! The best part? It’s easy to customize based on what I had in my pantry. We’ll definitely be making it again!”

The cooking process explained

Let’s break down how this recipe comes together. Start by preheating your oven — it needs to be nice and hot so that your meatloaf cooks evenly. While that’s happening, you’ll mix up all the tasty ingredients, which couldn’t be easier. After shaping the mixture into a loaf, a sweet and savory glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce gets slathered on top for that extra layer of flavor.

Before you know it, you’ll be pulling a beautifully browned meatloaf from the oven, and the anticipation will build as it rests, just waiting to be sliced and served up to hungry mouths.

What you’ll need

Gather these items for your homemade meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned ones work well)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option!