Best Meatloaf Recipe (Tender & Juicy)

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is packed with flavor and tenderness. The secret is the tangy and savory sauce added to the meatloaf as it bakes.
Best Meatloaf Recipe (Tender & Juicy)
Juicy, tender, and moist meatloaf—the perfect weeknight dinner. Courtesy of Amy Dong
Amy Dong
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Why This Recipe Stands Out

We all love a good meatloaf, but what sets this one apart is the incredible flavor and tender, moist texture. Here’s why we can’t get enough of this meatloaf:
  • Easy Ingredients: You likely already have all these ingredients in your pantry! Plus, it uses pantry staples like our Teriyaki Meatloaf.
  • Quick to Make: This easy meatloaf bakes up in a little less than an hour, for the perfect weeknight meal.
  • Big, Bold Flavor: The combination of tangy and savory sauce takes this meatloaf to a whole new level. We also love the sweet and tangy flavor of the BBQ Turkey Meatloaf.
  • Perfectly Moist: The meatloaf is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the sauce that’s added to it as it bakes.
  • Prep it Ahead: This meatloaf recipe can be prepared in advance, making it the ideal recipe for meal prep!
Key Recipe Ingredients
  • Ground Beef—You’ll need 2 pounds of 85-90 percent lean ground beef; 10-15 percent fat is just enough to keep the meatloaf moist.
  • Onion and Garlic—The sautéed chopped onion and garlic paired with salt, pepper, and thyme are highly aromatic.
  • Eggs and Breadcrumbs—To hold it all together, create a binder using eggs and breadcrumbs. Use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Worcestershire Sauce and Beef Broth—The added Worcestershire sauce and beef broth provide the umami flavors in this meatloaf.
  • Brown Sugar, Mustard, and Ketchup—These three ingredients come together to create a sweet-tangy sauce. Make sure to save some for serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Take a look at some of our favorite variations and substitutions:
  • Meat: This recipe calls for ground beef, but feel free to use ground turkey or even ground chicken. You can even try using a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
  • Sauce Flavor: The sauce is what makes this meatloaf extra special. If you’re pressed for time, you can substitute the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce, as we do in this BBQ Turkey Meatloaf.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Amy Dong
Amy Dong
Author
Amy is the author and recipe developer at Chew Out Loud. She is a huge dog-lover, avid runner, and a proud mama of three very busy boys. Visit ChewOutLoud.com.
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