Classic Meatloaf

Article by Emily Saladino

Despite their ubiquity in American kitchens, classic meatloaf recipes aren’t always foolproof. Because it bakes for such a long time, homemade meatloaf is surprisingly easy to overcook or under-season, resulting in a dry or bland dish. That’s why Food Network Kitchen developed this old-fashioned meatloaf recipe that’s so crowd-pleasing, you’ll make it again and again. From the ideal meatloaf mix to the best pan to use, here’s everything you need to know.

How to Make Meatloaf Like a Pro

The Food Network Kitchen team shares its expert tips and step-by-step instructions, so you can cook up a traditional meatloaf recipe that everyone will love.

Loaf pan versus baking sheet. Our recipe developers prefer cooking meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper because it allows air to circulate around the meatloaf as it bakes, which helps it cook evenly.

Mind your meatloaf mix ratios. Different types of ground meat have varying flavors and fat contents, so our recipe developers recommend using an equal-parts mixture of ground beef, pork and veal or turkey to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

Grate the onion. Shredding rather than dicing the onion creates soft, small pieces that melt into the meatloaf mix as it bakes, so it has a velvety texture at the end.

Try different meatloaf seasonings. Our recipe developers love the classic meatloaf flavors in this recipe, but you can also give it an Italian accent by adding a tablespoon of dried oregano, teaspoon of dried basil and pinch of dried mint to the meatloaf mix.

The best temperature to cook a meatloaf. Food Network Kitchen swears by 350 degrees F: It’s warm enough that the homemade meatloaf keeps its shape, but not so hot as to dry it out.

The glaze for meatloaf works overtime. Our recipe developers created this easy glaze almost entirely out of ingredients also used in the classic meatloaf recipe. Not only does it provide rich flavor, but it also keeps the meatloaf moist during its last leg of cooking time.

How long to cook meatloaf. In an oven set to 350 degrees F, a classic meatloaf typically cooks for approximately 55 minutes. However, every kitchen is different, so our recipe developers use a thermometer to check its internal temperature and remove it from the oven when the thickest, centermost part of the loaf reaches 160 degrees F.

What to Serve with Classic Meatloaf

Serve this classic meatloaf recipe with similarly hearty fare like mashed potatoes and roasted or sautéed vegetables. Some of our favorite side dishes for meatloaf are:

Creamed Spinach. Rich, creamy and loaded with two pounds of spinach, this recipe comes together in just 16 minutes.

Baked Feta Mashed Potatoes. The baked feta bubbles and melts into the potatoes, giving them a subtle, irresistible tang.

Sauteed Asparagus. Garlic, olives and aromatic basil brighten this quick-cooking veggie side dish.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Not only is this creamy dish on the table in 30 minutes, but it also requires just five ingredients.

Can You Make this Classic Meatloaf Ahead of Time?

Classic meatloaf can be prepared, cooled and then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. To reheat it, remove the plastic wrap, place the meatloaf on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.

You can freeze leftover meatloaf, too. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil and put it in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.