Name: Momma’s Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner preferred); 1/2 cup diced white onion; 1 cup plain bread crumbs; 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, 1%, or skim); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 28 reviews

Get ready to wrap yourself in the ultimate comfort food hug with Momma’s Meatloaf! This classic recipe delivers everything you crave: a juicy, flavorful beef loaf, fragrant with herbs, studded with tender onions, and finished with that sticky-sweet ketchup glaze that sends your taste buds straight to dinnertime heaven. Whether you’re bringing back childhood memories or welcoming a new weeknight favorite, there’s something beautifully nostalgic and heartwarming about slicing into homemade Momma’s Meatloaf, hot from the oven and ready to be shared.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients are what make Momma’s Meatloaf so irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role, creating a balance of flavors, tenderness, and that gorgeous, caramelized finish on top. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner for a juicy but not greasy loaf—quality beef is the heart of this dish.
Diced White Onion: Adds moisture and a gentle sweetness that infuses every bite.
Plain Bread Crumbs: They soak up liquids to keep your meatloaf tender and moist, never dry.
Milk: Combines with breadcrumbs to lighten the texture, making your slices soft and never dense.
Egg: Acts as a magical binder, holding everything together for perfect slicing.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash in both the loaf and glaze brings depth, savory notes, and that special umami magic.
Salt: Just enough to amplify all the other flavors.
Dried Basil and Oregano: These pantry herbs create an aromatic, Italian-tinged backbone that makes Momma’s Meatloaf sing.
Black Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add subtle heat and complexity, balancing out the richness.
Ketchup: Essential for the classic meatloaf glaze; its sweetness and tang transform the finished loaf.
Brown Sugar: Melts into the ketchup for a glossy, sweet topping that caramelizes beautifully.

How to Make Momma’s Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and while it heats, lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. A quick spritz keeps your meatloaf from sticking and guarantees easy cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying every bite.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, add the ground beef, diced onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Here’s where the magic starts! Use your clean hands to gently knead everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or the texture can get tough. You want everything mingling but not mashed.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Turn your mixture out into the prepared dish and shape it into a classic loaf: about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Don’t press too hard—a light touch ensures your Momma’s Meatloaf stays tender and juicy as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Slide the dish onto the center rack and let it bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the loaf firms up and its aroma fills the kitchen, drawing hungry loved ones like a magnet!

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the meatloaf works its magic in the oven, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until velvety smooth. This sweet-and-savory topping is what will give Momma’s Meatloaf its irresistible, signature finish.

Step 6: Glaze the Meatloaf

Once 45 minutes are up, pull the meatloaf from the oven. Generously brush the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf—don’t skimp! This sticky layer caramelizes in the next step for maximum flavor and that gorgeous, glossy look.

Step 7: Finish Baking at a Higher Temperature

Turn up the oven to 400°F (205°C) and pop the glazed loaf back in for another 15 minutes. This higher heat ensures the glaze bubbles and turns sticky while the inside cooks through. The meatloaf is ready when a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at its center.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let Momma’s Meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this makes slicing so much easier and keeps all those fantastic juices where they belong: inside each slice. Serve while hot, with glaze glistening and everyone clamoring for seconds.

How to Serve Momma’s Meatloaf

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make your Momma’s Meatloaf feel like a true centerpiece. Sprinkle on a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and herbal freshness. A few cracks of black pepper or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can brighten each slice with just the right punch.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with the classic mashed potatoes and a scoop of buttered peas or green beans. For a lighter meal, try serving slices atop a bed of lightly dressed greens or alongside roasted carrots and parsnips—Momma’s Meatloaf pairs beautifully with anything homey and hearty. Don’t forget the extra glaze on the side for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, try serving mini meatloaf slices on crusty bread for open-faced sandwiches, or cut leftovers into thick slabs to layer into a towering meatloaf sandwich with cheddar and crispy onions. Tiny loaf minis work perfectly for party spreads too—Momma’s style, in bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Momma’s Meatloaf tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for delicious sandwiches or next-day suppers you’ll look forward to.

Freezing

To freeze, let the fully baked and cooled meatloaf chill in the fridge first, then slice or leave whole, double-wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

For best results, place slices in a baking dish, add a splash of water or beef broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices using a microwave-safe cover; just be careful not to overheat and dry out your precious leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great for a leaner twist—just know that you might need to add an extra splash of milk for moisture, since turkey is less fatty than beef. The seasoning and glaze keep it delicious no matter what protein you choose.

What’s the secret to a juicy meatloaf?

It’s all about balance and technique: use the right fat content, include enough moisture from milk and breadcrumbs, and mix just until combined. Letting the loaf rest before slicing also locks in all that savory juice, so every serving is moist and irresistible.

Can I make Momma’s Meatloaf ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the loaf mixture and shape it up to a day ahead. Just wrap and chill in the fridge until ready to bake—let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off and ensure even cooking.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to sneak in finely grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep veggies diced small so they blend right in and cook through in every hearty bite.

How do I know when the meatloaf is really done?

The best way is using an instant-read thermometer—Momma’s Meatloaf is safe to eat and perfectly cooked when the center hits 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the center is hot and no longer pink.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing more comforting or crowd-pleasing than a thick, warm slice of Momma’s Meatloaf, straight from the oven and scented with herbs. I hope you dive in, roll up your sleeves, and make this classic your own—because trust me, sharing a homemade meatloaf is as cozy and satisfying as dinnertime gets!