Homemade Meatloaf
This homemade meatloaf recipe is sweet, savory, tangy, and moist, just like your mom used to make. However, our version is made with a combination of ground beef and ground turkey, which makes it a little lighter without sacrificing any flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s a hearty comfort food we always know we can rely on!
Love meatloaf? Try our whole foods meatloaf, too.
Did you grow up eating meatloaf? We definitely did! Don’t worry if you’re new to the dish, either. This twist on a classic meatloaf recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors, and it never turns out dry. Plus, it’s pretty low in sugar!
Just combine all the ingredients, and let the oven do all the hard work. It leaves you plenty of time to prepare a few side dishes. Or, just sit back and relax. You deserve it!
Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredients and instructions!
- Meat – We use a combination of ground turkey and ground beef. We recommend using 80% lean meat to add flavor and prevent the loaf from being too dry.
- Onion – Use white or yellow onion to add a sweet, pungent flavor. We find that if we grate the onion, our picky eaters don’t even realize it’s there.
- Eggs – These act as binders, holding the loaf together. We haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes, and we can’t guarantee your results if you do.
- Crushed Crackers – These absorb excess moisture, helping the loaf hold its shape. Ritz crackers are our go-to for a rich, buttery taste, but saltine crackers also work. Or, substitute panko breadcrumbs!
- Milk – A must-have in any meatloaf recipe, this tenderizes the meat and prevents the loaf from drying out. Full-fat milk will create the best taste and texture, but any regular or dairy-free milk can be used.
- Ketchup – We use a low-sugar ketchup, but opt for whatever you have on hand.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper create a savory taste.
- Meatloaf Glaze – Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (or golden monk fruit sweetener), and Dijon mustard combine for a sweet, savory, tangy glaze.
How to Make the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
- Combine. Mix the onion, eggs, crushed crackers, milk, ketchup, and seasonings in a large bowl. Add the ground meat, and mix to combine. We like to use our hands to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Bake. Press the meat mixture into a prepared meatloaf pan. A loaf pan will also work. Just make sure to drain excess oil from the bottom. Bake for an hour.
3. Add the glaze. Whisk the glaze ingredients while the meatloaf cooks. Then, spread it on top. Continue to bake until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Serve. Let the cooked meatloaf rest. This allows the natural juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy. Then, slice, serve, and enjoy warm!
Common Questions
We serve our homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes or our high-protein mac and cheese. Then, we add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, kale broccoli slaw salad, green beans, or roasted carrots for extra nutrients.
The most common reason for crumbly meatloaf is not using binders, using meat that is too lean, or slicing into the loaf before letting it rest.
Yes, combine all the ingredients, and shape them in the meatloaf pan. Then, cover and refrigerate for up to one day. To serve, bring the meatloaf to room temperature. Or, bake from the fridge, adding a few minutes as needed.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, grated or very finely diced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (see notes)
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar or golden monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly spray a meatloaf pan or a 9×5-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. (Place a sheet pan or aluminum foil on the oven rack below the pan of meatloaf to catch any drips.)
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the onion, eggs, crushed crackers, milk, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt and ground black pepper until combined.1/2 onion, grated or very finely diced, 2 eggs, 1 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (see notes), ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Add in the ground meat and mix until just combined.1 lb ground turkey, 1 lb ground beef
- Press the meatloaf into the greased pan.
- Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the glaze ingredients.1/2 cup ketchup, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar or golden monk fruit sweetener, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- After 1 hour, remove the meatloaf and spread the glaze on top. Bake for another 15-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165F (see notes).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in individual portions in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Homemade Meatloaf Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
We love this simple and hearty meatloaf! It lasts us for 2 meals and has the best flavor.