Creating The Best Meatloaf You’ve Ever Had involves combining flavorful ingredients with a few key techniques to ensure moisture, tenderness, and taste.
Here’s a recipe that promises to deliver on all these fronts and is so easy to make using only 5 ingredients. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Meatloaf
Meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (preferably 85% lean and 15% fat)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoon seasoning mix
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
How To Make Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan for easy cleanup.


Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning mix. We used Tony Chachere’s No Salt seasoning mix. Mix everything together until just combined — overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking pan. Shape it into a loaf, about 2 inches high.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar for the glaze.

Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. After this time, increase the temperature to 400 degrees and spread the glaze over the meatloaf. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.


Rest Before Serving: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice.



Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.
About Us


We are happy to share our collection of “Old Fashioned Cravings” with you! This is our collection of family recipes that we have to collected, modified and created over the years. Our favorite meals are comfort foods tweaked to be a little bit healthier! We hope you enjoy the content and we would love to hear your favorites and suggestions!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Milk is added to meatloaf primarily to enhance its texture and moisture content, ensuring the final dish is tender and juicy rather than dry and crumbly. It serves as a binder, helping to meld the ingredients together and giving the meatloaf a cohesive structure.
By moistening the breadcrumbs or any starch in the recipe, milk allows these elements to swell during cooking, aiding in the binding process. Additionally, the proteins in milk can tenderize the meat, contributing to a softer texture that’s easier to eat.
Milk also acts as a flavor carrier, blending with fats, spices, and the meat’s natural flavors to create a more harmonious taste profile.
For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply out of milk, there are substitutes like unsweetened plant-based milks, broth, or water that can achieve similar effects in meatloaf recipes.
What can I put in meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking to substitute breadcrumbs in a meatloaf recipe, there are several great alternatives that can provide the binding and moisture-retention properties needed, while also catering to dietary preferences or simply adding a different flavor or nutritional profile.
Oats (either quick-cooking or old-fashioned, lightly pulsed in a food processor for a finer texture) are a popular choice, offering a whole grain, gluten-free option that blends seamlessly into the meat mixture.
Cooked quinoa is another excellent, gluten-free substitute that adds a protein boost. For those avoiding grains altogether, finely ground nuts (like almonds or walnuts) can add a rich, nutty flavor and extra nutrients, though they should be used sparingly to avoid making the meatloaf too dense.
Grated vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, can also serve as a breadcrumb alternative, adding moisture, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish. Each of these substitutes not only replaces the texture and binding qualities of breadcrumbs but also introduces new elements to the meatloaf, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
More Tips for the Best Meatloaf:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensuring the meatloaf reaches the correct internal temperature prevents overcooking.
- Add Moisture: The milk, eggs, and ketchup help to keep the meatloaf moist. You can also add a grated carrot or some chopped mushrooms for extra moisture and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is crucial for a juicy result.
Experiment with the recipe to suit your taste preferences, adding or subtracting spices and herbs. Enjoy crafting this ultimate comfort dish that’s bound to be a hit at any table!
Helpful Resources
- For more tips on making a delicious meatloaf – check out this post from The Today Show!
- All about us at Old Fashioned Cravings
- All our recipes
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Pam
Thursday 24th of October 2024
Hi....what is seasoning mix please?
Juliette Exupery
Sunday 3rd of November 2024
I prefer KONRIKO seasoning the best for all-purpose.
Juliette Exupery
Sunday 3rd of November 2024
@Damian,
Damian
Thursday 24th of October 2024
Hi! We used Tony Chachere's (No Sodium). Any all-purpose seasoning mix should work fine. I didn't realize we left it out, so I'll add it. Thanks! :)