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Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe

Feb 27 By 104 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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This Meatloaf Recipe is my family’s FAVORITE dinner recipe! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!

This Meatloaf Recipe is my family's FAVORITE Sunday night dinner! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!
I have so many great dinner recipes that I never share here on Yummy Healthy Easy. Honestly, shame on me. I should be sharing these super, incredibly easy recipes with you! I guess I feel like not sharing them for a few reasons:

  1. The recipes in question are done a hundred times and not new, fresh recipes.
  2. I think they’ll be hard to photograph (brown food is my enemy 😉 )
  3. I wonder if the recipes are so easy that maybe they can’t be really a recipe. 😉

So there you have it. These are the true reasons I don’t share some of the staple recipes that I feed my family on a regular basis. Let’s be honest, meatloaf recipes are hard to photograph! I’ve only posted these adorable Mini Meatloaves because they’re cute and small and not as hard to photograph. But I LOVE making meatloaf for my family!

This Meatloaf Recipe is my family's FAVORITE Sunday night dinner! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!

I really love how I can mix a few ingredients (that I usually have on hand) together and put in one loaf pan and bake. Plus, meatloaf has so much protein and is low carb so it makes a great dinner for the family. This particular recipe is even gluten free!

Serve this meatloaf recipe with a yummy Potato au Gratin or other starchy dish and a veggie like Green Beans Amandine and you are set for a quick, easy and healthy dinner the family will flip for! It will also look like you spent hours preparing some fancy dinner, when it really only took you ten minutes to mix and put in the oven! (your secret is safe with me) 🙂 Enjoy!

This Meatloaf Recipe is my family's FAVORITE Sunday night dinner! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!

This Meatloaf Recipe is my family's FAVORITE Sunday night dinner! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!
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Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe

This is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Total Time1 hr 25 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 201kcal
Author: Jen Nikolaus

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 onion diced small (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
  • 3/4 cup quick oats
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1 tsp. onion salt
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Glaze Topping:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9x5" loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • Mix together ground beef, onion, eggs, pepper, oats, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion salt and tomato sauce in a large bowl, using your hands. Do not overmix.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, sugar and mustard. Spread on top of meatloaf and place in oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, or until meatloaf is cooked through. Let cool for a few minutes and then slice and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 27.3g | Fat: 4.9g | Sodium: 600mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g

If you liked this easy meatloaf recipe, you might like these too:

Crock Pot Roast with VegetablesThis Crock Pot Roast with Vegetables is a family favorite Sunday dinner. I love everything about this meal. It's an entire dinner in one crock pot. You have your veggies, starch and meat all cooked together - and the meat is SO tender and delicious! This is a must-make!

Easy Turkey Meatloaf MuffinsEasy Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Tangy BBQ Sauce

Hawaiian MeatballsThese Hawaiian Meatballs are made with a ground beef mixture that includes graham cracker crumbs, then cooked with an easy tangy sweet and sour sauce, pineapple tidbits and green peppers. 30 minute or less meal!For even more great ideas follow me on:

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This Meatloaf Recipe is my family's FAVORITE Sunday night dinner! It really is the Best Ever Meatloaf, and it is incredibly easy to make. So much flavor packed inside with a delicious glaze spread on the top! Plus it's gluten-free!

About Jen

Jen Nikolaus is a recipe blogger and photographer over at Yummy Healthy Easy. She lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband and four boys. You’ll find her sharing healthier, budget-friendly, family-friendly, and easy dishes with some yummy desserts thrown in, too! Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Jeannie says

    May 25, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I made your best ever meatloaf for my dinner tonight. You are so right, best ever, for sure. I doubled the glaze so i could put it on my mashed potatoes too. Next I’ll fix the hawaiian meatballs and white rice. Looks soooo good. Thanks for sharing. Jeannie, Paradise Island, Ft Lauderdale Fl.

    Reply

  4. Jade says

    June 11, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Hands down, the BEST meatloaf recipe I’ve ever made!! Hubby and I loved it!! Next time I will double the sauce! Awesome with the quick oats!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  6. Nita Wyatt says

    August 2, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    Haven’t made a meatloaf in almost three years and It is my husbands favorite meal. So I made your recipe and he said it was so good it didn’t need ketchup on it. Better than his moms.

    Reply

    • Jen says

      August 9, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      OMG I can’t tell you how much I freaked out when I read your comment! THANK YOU!!! That totally made my day! So thrilled he liked it!

      Reply

  7. Genice says

    August 7, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    Loved this recipe. Used gluten free breadcrumbs vs. oatmeal and added some grated Parmesan. Delicious!!!

    Reply

  8. Caralee says

    September 2, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    Just made this tonight and it was a hit! My man said it was the best he’s ever had and beats all restaurants. My five year even said she loved it! Super easy too. Thanks so much for a great recipe!

    Reply

    • Jen says

      September 7, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Hi Lynn! I’ve never tried cooking this in the crock pot so I’m not sure. I would say form into a loaf and make sure it doesn’t touch the sides of the crock pot and then maybe cook on low for 6-8 hours, checking often so it don’ts overcook. Let me know if you try it and how it turned out in the crock pot. Thank you!!

      Reply

  13. Brittany says

    October 9, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    First time ever making meat loaf– used croutons because that’s all we had on hand! See how it ends up!! Daughter pretty much prepped it all too. So, taking all sorts of chances tonight!!

    Reply

  15. Stephanie says

    October 18, 2017 at 7:20 am

    I’m still considered a newlywed with my husband and I making a year in December. Anyways I didn’t take an interest in learning to cook until I got married. Well out all the things I’ve tried my husband has finally picked a favorite meal! THIS! He said meatloaf is his favorite and when he ask me to make his favorite meal, I should make it just like this!!

    Made with mashed potatoes and green beans as a side.

    Reply

  16. Susie says

    October 22, 2017 at 8:52 am

    Am making for the first time, have been looking for a good meatloaf recipe and can never seem to find one, and saw this and it looked pretty amazing, will let you know what the family thinks, personally after mixing and the glaze I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty darn good….

    Reply

      • Susie says

        October 23, 2017 at 3:05 pm

        Jen made the meatloaf omg’sssh it’s my new favorite, thank you for sharing, I have never found a meatloaf recipe that I have liked until this one, this will be my go to from now on, the family just raved about it, loved the sweetness from the glaze, so again thank you for sharing…was AMAZING

        Reply

  17. Heather says

    October 26, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    This is a great meatloaf! I followed the recipe and it came out really good the sauce on the top is delicious, I wish there was more to pour on it! My new go to meatloaf! My husband loved it too! Super yummy!

    Reply

    • Jen says

      October 26, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you so much for the awesome comment!! I’m so happy you loved it! I usually double the sauce on top because it’s that good, lol! Maybe you can do that next time? 😉

      Reply

  19. John Swepston says

    November 8, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    Going in the oven now. I love meatloaf so I can’t wait. Very similar to my family recipe but thought I would change it up

    Reply

  21. Veronica says

    November 22, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    Best meatloaf ever and EASY to make! Followed the recipe exactly….used 80% lean ground beef, baked it in a glass loaf dish at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes. My teenage son and father loved it. Served it with mash potatoes. Thanks for posting this 🙂

    Reply

  22. Joshua Diaz says

    November 29, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    Fixed this meatloaf recipe today for dinner, my family loved it! Added potatoes and green beans on the side and no leftovers. Wife and kids complimented me, but I was honest and told them I followed your recipe. Now they want to know what’s cooking tomorrow. 🙂

    Reply

  25. Karla Bennett says

    December 24, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Best Ever is a good title. I’ve been making meatloaf for 30+ years trying to find the perfect balance. You’ve done it. Bravo and Thank you!

    Reply

  26. Joseph J Schwedhelm says

    December 27, 2017 at 3:54 am

    That’s pretty cool you have the recipe with quick oats… my grandmother had this recipe handed down to her and she always made it with oatmeal basically the same exact way but with a quarter or so of the meat being Italian sausage… It is also basically the same recipe I use for some stuffed bell peppers it’s great

    Reply

  28. Loretta says

    February 26, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    Had this meatloaf for dinner…with side dishes of glazed carrots, blackeyes peas, cabbages, vegan mac_n_cheese corn bread. And when I tell you that the plates was clean. It was del___________ious.

    Reply

  31. Annette says

    March 27, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    I’ve been looking (for a long time) for a new go-to meatloaf recipe, and I think I’ve found it! I used 2 1/4 lb. ground beef (just because that’s the size package I purchased), doubled the garlic salt (because I didn’t have onion salt), and added 2 tsp. dried parsley. It was very good! I wasn’t sure about using the oatmeal, but it made the meatloaf firmer, yet still kept it moist. An added bonus since I am trying to cut back on carbs!

    Reply

  35. Liza says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    I just want to thank you for sharing this recipe and I feel that to best thank you is to leave you a comment herein. I’ve tried and used this recipe at least 5 times and every time, it comes out great. But I think what is more satisfactory is that every time I make it, I get my two girls and husband so excited and are always anticipating a good dinner. The only thing that I’ve changed is used saltine cracker, broken to tiny little pieces instead of using oat meal because I didn’t have any in hand. Otherwise, I followed everything to the tee (coz I have the rest of the ingredients 😀) and each time, the results are nothing less than delicious!

    Reply

  37. Cathy says

    August 16, 2018 at 6:55 am

    I made this with ground turkey and used gluten free quick oats! Came out perfect!!! Next time I’ll double the glaze as well.

    Reply

  40. Robin says

    November 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    Do you prefer white or yellow onion? I’ll be using only 1lb of beef and making 3 smaller loafs. Your thoughts on using 1/2 the recipe and 3 small loafs.

    Reply

    • Jen says

      November 20, 2018 at 4:43 pm

      I personally like yellow onions. I’ve never tried splitting it into 3 loaves and halving the recipe, but I’m thinking it would probably work just fine. The full recipe makes a big full meatloaf. Let me know if you try it and how it turned out!

      Reply

    • Jen says

      November 21, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      I’ve never tried making it without the mustard but I’m sure it would be fine! The brown sugar and ketchup together alone are delicious. Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply

  43. Melissa Griggs says

    November 30, 2018 at 8:38 am

    I made this lastnight, it was by far the best dish I have ever made! I did not have quick oats, so I used panko bread crumbs. So delicious!!! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Jen says

      December 1, 2018 at 10:49 am

      SO happy you liked it!! It’s my boys’ favorite dinner. They get so excited when they know I’m making it. 🙂 Thanks for the nice comment!

      Reply

  44. Laureen says

    December 2, 2018 at 4:30 am

    The name of this recipe is no lie. It is the BEST meatloaf I have ever had and I don’t generally like meatloaf. I wanted to make it b/c I knew m 19 mo son would enjoy, which he does. But mommy and daddy loved it as well! Thank you for posting!

    Reply

  45. Lyn says

    December 4, 2018 at 9:12 am

    You suggested to serve this with potatoes au gratin. But the meatloaf cooks at 350 and the potatoes at 400. Any advice on how to cook them in the same oven? Tia!

    Reply

    • Jen says

      December 10, 2018 at 4:54 pm

      Hi Lyn – I would suggest either preheating the oven to 400 and then cooking the potatoes while you get the meatloaf prepared (maybe like 30 minutes in the oven) and then bump the temperature back down to 350 when you add the meatloaf in. Doing this might make it so both the meatloaf and the potatoes take a bit longer but they will most likely finish around the same time. You can always pull the meatloaf out when it’s done and cover with foil if the potatoes need a bit more time. I hope this helps!! Let me know if you try them and like the recipes! Thank you!

      Reply

    • Jen says

      January 3, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Angela! I just added the nutrition facts to the recipe! Thank you for pointing it out that I forgot to add it in. I’m happy you like the recipe! It’s one of my favorite dinner recipes!

      Reply

  49. K. S. says

    January 6, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    This is a family favorite, made at least once a month during the Fall/Winter months and occasionally during the Summer.

    Reply

  50. Raquel says

    January 23, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    Excellent! Will definitely be making this again. I did make some adjustments based on what I had; I used marinara sauce instead and mixed ground chicken and deer since we don’t like beef. Texture was super soft and the flavors were amazing. My daughter said it was the best meatloaf ever. So five stars and two thumbs up 👍🏻

    Reply

  52. Nicole says

    February 16, 2019 at 1:27 pm

    Hi! I was wondering if I could use breadcrumbs in replacement of the oats? Or is there a specific reason for the use of oats?

    Reply

    • Jen says

      February 17, 2019 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Nicole! I haven’t tried breadcrumbs in place of the oats but I think others have tried it and replaced the same amount of oats with breadcrumbs with good results. I hope this helps and you try it! Thanks!

      Reply

  53. Victoria says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I have made several different meatloaf recipes. My 18 yr old son loves meatloaf. When I made this recipe he told me it was the best recipe ever and now he begs me to make it. I appreciate that you use oats instead of bread crumbs. Thank you so much for sharing,

    Reply

  54. Barry says

    February 20, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    I used this recipe and the meatloaf turned out great. I accidentally bought tomato sauce with roasted garlic flavor. So, I left the garlic salt out. Other than that, I followed the recipe. It’s a keeper.

    Reply

  55. Anna says

    March 30, 2019 at 2:37 pm

    Loved it! It’ll be on the rotation! I didn’t think the topping needed sugar though, so I left it out. Yum 😋! Thank you!

    Reply
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