Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
meatloaf sliced and ready to serve
Print Recipe
4.38 from 8 votes

Classic Meatloaf

A classic comfort food. This meatloaf is moist, tender and packs additional nutrients thanks to the addition of carrots and mushrooms. This recipe makes 2 loaves so you can feed a big family or freeze one for a quick meal another day. Be sure to let it rest before slicing to prevent crumbling. My kids love it best when I double the glaze!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, ground beef, meatloaf
Servings: 8
Calories: 334kcal
Author: Getty Stewart

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup bread crumbs and/or oat flakes use one or a combo
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 carrot finely grated
  • 4 white or cremini mushrooms finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Glaze My kids recommend doubling this
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F or 180°C.
  • Lightly grease two 8 x 4 loaf pans.
  • Add eggs to large bowl and mix well with fork. Mix in milk, BBQ sauce and Worcestershire.
  • Stir in breadcrumbs and/or oat flakes. Let rest for 5 minutes for moisture to soak in.(You can use all breadcrumbs, all oats or a combination).
  • Add ground beef, breaking it up somewhat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms and remainder of seasoning.
  • Mix together all ingredients. Use a large spoon or, for best results, use clean hands to gently mix ingredients. Wet your hands with cold water (prevents meat from sticking) and mix just until blended. Over-mixing will cause your meatloaf to become tough.
  • Press meat mixture into prepared loaf pans. Mix glaze ingredients in small bowl and pour onto top of loaves.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a meat thermometer in the center of the loaf reaches 160°F or 71°C.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Allowing it to rest will redistribute all the juices and allow you to slice it without crumbling.

Notes

Freeze the extra loaf - either before or after cooking.
Glaze alternatives: BBQ sauce, ketchup, salsa, pizza sauce, etc.
Makes 2 loaves, each serves 4

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 562mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Iron: 3mg