There’s something magical about the aroma of a classic meatloaf baking in the oven that instantly transforms any house into a warm, welcoming home. If you’re searching for the perfect mom’s meatloaf recipe that captures all those childhood memories and delivers that soul-satisfying comfort we all crave, you’ve come to the right place.

This isn’t just any meatloaf recipe – it’s the kind of moms meatloaf recipe that has been passed down through generations, tweaked to perfection, and served with love at countless family dinners. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to recreate those nostalgic flavors for your own children or someone who simply appreciates the honest goodness of traditional comfort food, this recipe will become your go-to weeknight dinner solution.

What makes this particular moms meatloaf recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy meat combined with just the right blend of seasonings and that irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and feeds a crowd without breaking the budget.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions for Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease with cooking spray.

  • Prepare the breadcrumb mixture by combining the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let this sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft and mushy.

  • Sauté the aromatics by heating a small skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  • Mix the meatloaf in a large bowl by gently combining the ground beef, beaten egg, soaked breadcrumbs, cooked onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense, tough meatloaf.

  • Shape and transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to eliminate air pockets while being careful not to pack it too tightly.

  • Prepare the glaze by whisking together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.

  • Apply the first layer of glaze by spreading half of the mixture evenly over the top of the raw meatloaf.

  • Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.



  • Rest before serving by letting the meatloaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang or turning it out onto a serving platter.


Tips for the Perfect Moms Meatloaf Recipe

Don’t Skip the Milk-Soaked Breadcrumbs: This classic technique, known as a panade, is crucial for achieving that tender, moist texture that makes this moms meatloaf recipe so special. The milk-soaked breadcrumbs act as a binding agent while keeping the meat from becoming dense.

Use the Right Fat Content: An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner ground beef will result in a drier meatloaf, while fattier blends can make it greasy.

Handle with Care: Overmixing is the enemy of tender meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined – you should still be able to see some individual components rather than a completely homogeneous mixture.

Let It Rest: Allowing your cooked meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing isn’t just for presentation – it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when you cut into it.

Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked is to check the internal temperature. At 160°F, it will be fully cooked but still juicy.

Moms Meatloaf Recipe Variations & Substitutions

For Gluten-Free Needs: Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even finely chopped mushrooms for added moisture and umami flavor.

Ground Meat Alternatives: While beef is traditional, you can substitute half the ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or even lamb for different flavor profiles. A 50/50 beef and pork combination creates an incredibly flavorful and moist result.

Vegetable Add-Ins: Finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be sautéed with the onions to add extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook out excess moisture before adding to the meat mixture.

Cheese Lovers’ Version: Create a stuffed meatloaf by placing a layer of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss work well) in the center of the meat mixture before shaping.

Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño to the onion mixture or include a teaspoon of hot sauce in the meat mixture for those who like a little heat in their comfort food.

Serving Suggestions

This classic moms meatloaf recipe pairs beautifully with traditional comfort food sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes are perhaps the most classic pairing – they’re perfect for soaking up any pan juices and the caramelized glaze.

Green vegetables provide a nice contrast to the hearty meatloaf. Consider serving steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help cut through the richness of the meat.

For a complete comfort food experience, add some warm dinner rolls or cornbread to round out the meal. Don’t forget that leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day – just slice it thick and serve on crusty bread with some mayo and lettuce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this moms meatloaf recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. The glaze can also be prepared ahead and stored separately.

Q: How do I store leftover meatloaf?
A: Leftover meatloaf will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Q: Why did my meatloaf fall apart when I sliced it?
A: This usually happens when the meatloaf hasn’t had enough time to rest after cooking, or if the mixture was too wet or didn’t have enough binding ingredients. Make sure to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, and ensure you’re using the right ratio of breadcrumbs and egg as specified in the recipe.

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

There’s a reason why moms meatloaf recipe continues to be one of the most searched comfort food recipes online – it represents everything we love about home cooking. This recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s economical, feeds a crowd, tastes incredible, and creates those precious family memories around the dinner table.

The beauty of this moms meatloaf recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. Once you master this basic version, you’ll have the confidence to experiment with your own variations and perhaps create a signature version that your own family will request again and again.

I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Did you try any of the suggested variations? What sides did you serve alongside it? Please leave a comment below sharing your results, and don’t forget to rate the recipe to help other home cooks discover this family favorite.

If this recipe brought back fond memories or helped you create new ones, please share it with your friends and family on social media. After all, the best recipes are meant to be shared, just like the love that goes into making them.

Happy cooking, and here’s to keeping the tradition of wonderful home-cooked meals alive in kitchens everywhere!