Simply the best meatloaf recipe—my grandmother’s classic. This flavorful, easy meatloaf is elevated with onion soup mix and a sweet-savory topping of ketchup and brown sugar. It’s perfect hot from the oven and even better the next day as sandwiches. Adaptable for gluten-free and keto diets.
What Makes This The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever?
Grandma’s recipe. This is the classic meatloaf my grandmother made and I’ve made for years. It’s comforting, straightforward, and reliable—perfect for family dinners and sandwiches the next day.
Only 7 main ingredients. The meatloaf uses ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, onion soup mix, and a bit of water. The topping is a simple ketchup and brown sugar glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.
Simple and delicious. Mix the ingredients, shape into a loaf in a pan, spread the topping, and bake. The recipe is easy to follow and forgiving—great for cooks of any level.
Diet-friendly adjustments. High in protein and adaptable for lower carbs: swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and onion soup mix for GF, or use keto-friendly substitutes (sugar replacement, keto breadcrumbs, sugar-free ketchup) to make it keto-friendly. Choose lean ground beef or a mixed blend to reduce fat if desired.
Ingredients
- Onion soup mix – homemade or store-bought packet both work. Homemade has a bit more flavor if you have time.
- Ground beef – 80/20 gives good flavor and moisture; use leaner beef if you prefer.
- Bread crumbs – plain, seasoned, or Italian style; use what you have on hand.
- Eggs – act as a binder.
- Water – helps keep the loaf moist and makes the mixture easy to shape.
- Ketchup – used inside the meatloaf and for the topping.
- Brown sugar – mixes with ketchup for the glaze; dark or light brown sugar or a substitute can be used.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and nutrition details.
Substitutions and Variations
Ways to customize this recipe:
- Gluten-free: use a gluten-free onion soup mix and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Keto: substitute keto-friendly onion soup mix, keto breadcrumbs, and a sugar-free yet sweetened ketchup.
- Swap part of the beef for ground pork or turkey for a different flavor or lower fat content.
- Add extra seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, or chipotle powder for heat. You can also stir hot sauce into the topping for a spicy glaze.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky, tangy topping; choose sugar-free BBQ sauce to cut added sugar.
How To Make Homemade Meatloaf
Make the Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine onion soup mix, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, water, and ketchup. Mix until evenly combined but avoid overworking the meat.
Transfer To Baking Dish
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in the prepared baking dish.
Topping
- Whisk together ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl and spread it over the top of the loaf.
Bake
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the loaf rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
How to Serve It
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a light salad.
- Leftovers are excellent as meatloaf sandwiches—consider using extra topping as a dipping sauce or spread.
Leftover idea: Make meatloaf grilled cheese sandwiches by adding a slice of meatloaf to your favorite grilled cheese. Use extra glaze for dipping.
Kori’s Tips
- Line the baking pan with foil to lift the meatloaf out easily for slicing and serving.
- If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape the meatloaf on a foil-lined baking sheet for even browning and easy cleanup.
- Make extra glaze for serving on the side—many people like an extra spoonful with each slice.
How to Store Homemade Meatloaf
Cool the meatloaf, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to reheat this recipe for meatloaf
Reheat slices in the microwave or air fryer until warm throughout. For food safety, reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) when possible.
How to freeze this Meat Loaf Recipe
Cool completely, then wrap or place in an airtight freezer bag or container. Store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Using ground beef with a higher fat content (such as 80/20) keeps the meatloaf moist. You can also add ground pork, veal, or even a bit of bacon for extra fat and flavor. Adding an extra egg or a small amount of milk or water can also help retain moisture.
It’s not necessary to cover the meatloaf unless a recipe specifies it. Covering can slow browning; some cooks cover early in baking to retain moisture and remove the foil near the end to let the glaze caramelize.
Eggs and breadcrumbs are the primary binders that hold the meatloaf together. They absorb moisture and give structure so the loaf slices cleanly.
📖 The recipe.
Meatloaf Recipes (Best Ever)
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 recipe or package onion soup mix
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup ketchup
Topping
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix onion soup mix, ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, water, and ketchup until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the pan and shape into a loaf.
- Whisk ketchup and brown sugar together, then spread the topping over the meatloaf.
- Bake about 1 hour, or until the center reaches 160°F. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Kori’s Tips
- Top tip: Line the dish with foil to lift the meatloaf out easily after baking.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free onion soup mix and breadcrumbs.
- Keto: use keto-friendly soup mix, keto breadcrumbs, and sugar-free sweetened ketchup.
- Serving: Serve with mashed potatoes and a simple vegetable side for a classic meal.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 24 g
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™
There are many ways to vary meatloaf. Try stuffed or Italian-style versions for a different twist. This base recipe is a reliable starting point for countless variations.
More Ground Beef Recipes
For more ground beef ideas, consider classics such as baked beans with ground beef, beef taco soup, or homemade meatballs.
- Baked Beans With Ground Beef
- Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Creamy Beef Taco Soup
- Frozen Meatballs
- Italian Stuffed Meatloaf
- Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs)