Classic Meatloaf with Bread Crumbs: The Ultimate Homestyle Comfort Dish

There’s no dinner more timeless, comforting, and crowd-pleasing than a slice of classic meatloaf. Whether you’re making it for Sunday supper, weeknight dinner, or meal prep, this Classic Meatloaf with Bread Crumbs is a recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and a satisfying bite every time.

Juicy, savory, and topped with that signature sweet glaze, this meatloaf combines the perfect blend of ground beef, seasoning, and breadcrumbs to give it structure and tenderness. It’s everything a meatloaf should be — hearty, moist, and absolutely delicious.

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🥩 Why This Meatloaf Is a Winner

• Moist and flavorful – thanks to bread crumbs and eggs as binders
• Simple pantry ingredients – nothing fancy, just honest, delicious food
• Customizable – use different glazes, add veggies, or switch meats
• Make-ahead and freezer friendly – perfect for busy weeknights
• Leftovers reheat beautifully – even better the next day for sandwiches

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🛒 Ingredients (Original Recipe + Optional Add-ins)

This is a traditional meatloaf recipe, featuring breadcrumbs instead of crackers or oats, which gives it a classic, cohesive texture.

✅ Base Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

🧂 For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard or apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy finish)

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🔄 Optional Add-ins (All Tried & Tested):

• ¼ cup chopped parsley – for fresh flavor
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ cup finely diced bell pepper – adds sweetness and color
• 1 tbsp tomato paste – for deeper umami in the loaf
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or smoked paprika – for a gentle kick
• Shredded cheddar inside for a cheesy version

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Classic Meatloaf with Bread Crumbs

1. Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing for best texture.

Pro Tip: Use your hands or a fork to gently mix. Overworking the meat can make it dense.

3. Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, or shape it free-form on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Pat into a firm loaf shape, roughly 8×4 inches.

4. Make and Add Glaze

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking. Reserve the rest for brushing on near the end.

5. Bake

Bake for 45 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps juices redistribute and keeps it moist.

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🧂 Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Every Time

• Use 80/20 beef – It’s the sweet spot for juiciness and flavor.
• Milk + breadcrumbs = tenderness – This binding combo gives classic texture.
• Resting is key – Slicing too soon releases all the juices.
• Don’t pack it too tight – Gently shape the loaf for even cooking.
• Taste test the seasoning – Cook a mini patty in a pan if unsure.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Meatloaf

This hearty entrée pairs beautifully with comforting sides:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Roasted carrots or green beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Caesar salad or buttered peas
• Dinner rolls or garlic toast

And for dessert? A classic apple pie or strawberry shortcake keeps the homestyle vibe going strong.

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❄️ Make Ahead & Freezing

Make Ahead: Mix the meat and shape the loaf. Store unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze (Unbaked): Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

Freeze (Baked): Cool completely, slice, and freeze slices individually. Reheat in oven or microwave.

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🔄 Meatloaf Variations

• Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey and add sautéed veggies to keep it moist.
• BBQ Glaze: Swap ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.
• Cheesy Center: Stuff with shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.
• Mini Meatloaves: Divide into muffin tins and bake for 25–30 minutes for quick portions.

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📊 Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice – 8 slices total)

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

(Varies with glaze and ingredients)

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Classic Meatloaf with Bread Crumbs is the ultimate feel-good meal — no bells or whistles, just time-honored ingredients and cozy, reliable flavor. It’s a dish that brings people together, reminds us of childhood dinners, and fits every season.

Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes or tucked into a sandwich the next day, this meatloaf will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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