This classic Home-Style Meatloaf recipe is tender, savory, and full of flavor. The tangy, sweet homemade glaze will have you never wanting to use store-bought ketchup again!
When I think of meatloaf, I think of pure comfort. Meatloaf works as a food time- machine of sorts for me because it almost always takes me back to my childhood. I can still visualize my mom in the kitchen making dinner, and her meatloaf was always on the menu weekly. It always seemed like she was superwoman in the kitchen because her meatloaf always tasted so good and seemed like it was ready in minutes! So, does this meatloaf actually transcend time and space? Maybe?… but it sure is delicious!
MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS
Jump to the bottom of the recipe card below this post for full ingredient measurements and instructions.
This meatloaf is not fancy, and as a matter of fact, you will find most of the same ingredients used in any everyday meatloaf recipe. There are only a couple of ingredients found in this meatloaf that sets it apart from most. One of those ingredients is grated parmesan cheese. Yes, Parmesan cheese! I can’t make my meatloaf without it! Of course, it is not a necessity, but it gives this meatloaf an umami flavor that really can’t compare to other meatloaf recipes. It also provides the meatloaf with a nice bite! Just remember that parmesan cheese is salty, so you will want to cut down on your salt when seasoning.
- Ground Beef: I like using an 80/20 ground beef blend for a flavorful meatloaf that only fat can provide. Just make sure to drain all of the fat!
- Seasoning Mix: The seasoning blend I use for this meatloaf consists of an Italian herb blend, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper.
- Bread Crumbs: The breadcrumbs help the meatloaf retain moisture. I like using seasoned breadcrumbs, but these can be substituted with panko or regular breadcrumbs.
- Onion, garlic, and bell pepper: A little bit of minced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Tomato sauce: See sauce ingredients below, but can be substituted with ketchup.
- Eggs: Two eggs are used to hold everything together.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese gives this meatloaf lots of umami flavor and a nice bite.
THE SAUCE
Remember that other mystery ingredient I mentioned before that makes this meatloaf great? Well, it’s the sauce! In the past, I have tried to make my meatloaf using a ketchup-made glaze, but there is nothing like a homemade sauce. If you have never made your own tomato glaze, then you are missing out. This homemade tomato glaze is not only tasty, but it is really easy to make! This is how my mom always made her glaze, so I may be a bit impartial here. There aren’t a lot of ingredients in this sauce either, just a bit of seasoning and a can of tomato sauce.
- Seasoning Mix: The seasoning blend of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.
- Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce is just a standard 8 oz can, and any brand you have in your pantry works fine.
- Black Pepper: Course, or fine, you choose and use what you like.
- Salt: I like using fine sea salt, but kosher salt works well here.
HOW TO MAKE MEATLOAF
Follow these steps to make this recipe:
- Gather: In a large bowl, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, along with the rest of the meatloaf ingredients. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Mix: Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Form Meat Loaf: Place the beef mixture into a loaf pan and form the meat into the shape of a loaf.
- Make the sauce: Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk well to combine.
- Top with sauce & bake: Top the meatloaf with half of the tomato glaze, then cover with foil and bake in the oven. Add the remaining sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Hungry for more recipes? Check out these delicious recipes:
- The BEST Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe – Mom’s Recipe
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Moms Home-Style Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Homemade Glaze
8
servings10
minutes1
hourKeep the screen of your device on
THE MEATLOAF
2 lbs ground beef or sirloin
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
chopped parsley, garnish
- TOMATO GLAZE
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Mix all of the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix well.
- Place the meat mixture into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan and form the meat into a loaf.
- Top the mixture with half of the sauce, then cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and top with the remaining sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Please note: The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggie.
Notes
- Bread or crushed crackers can be used in place of the breadcrumbs in this recipe.
- The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees before it is done.
Did you make this recipe?
Great! Now let me know how you liked it. Are you a carb lover you are too? Follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also sign up for my newsletter for the latest updates. Tag @sheaddsflavor on Instagram and hashtag it #sheaddsflavor to share your creations with me. I can’t wait to see your photos!
While I have you here… may I suggest a few for you to try next:
- Homemade Meatball Recipe | How To Make Delicious Meatballs
- Easy Taco Casserole
- The Best Texas Chili Dogs
Until next time. Keep following and commenting. Join me on Youtube next week where I will be cooking up another recipe and maybe telling a few of my terrible jokes! Yes, that’s right.
