The Actual Best Meatloaf Recipe

This is the most flavorful, BEST meatloaf recipe out there! It has the perfect texture (not too dry or greasy) and you don't even need a loaf pan to make it.

Ingredients
For the meatloaf
1 cup plain panko (90g)
½ cup milk (118ml)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced yellow onion
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
2 Tablespoons tomato paste (33g)
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce (may substitute coconut aminos)
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 lb 85% ground beef (907g)

For the glaze
¼ cup tomato paste (66g)
2 Tablespoons light or dark brown sugar, firmly packed (25g)
2 Tablespoons honey (42g)
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce (may substitute coconut aminos)
½ teaspoon table salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup) and then parchment paper. Set aside.
00:35 In a large mixing bowl, combine panko and milk and stir until panko is completely moistened. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the onion.
01:52 In a medium-sized skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering.
02:05 Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened (about 5 minutes)
02:37 Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
03:20 Add tomato paste and sugar and cook, stirring, until tomato paste is deepened in color.
04:10 Add worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar and stir well. Remove from heat and set aside.
04:55 Once panko is completely saturated and has had at least 10 minutes to sit, add the onion mixture into the bowl and stir briefly.
05:45 Add eggs, spices, and about 2 Tablespoons of the ground beef. Stir very well (I use a whisk) until all ingredients are very well-combined.
09:05 Add the rest of the meat and use your hands to gently work everything together until ingredients are completely combined (do your best to not over-mix!).
10:50 Transfer the mixture to prepared baking sheet and use your hands to form into a loaf shape (about 8x5”). Prepare the glaze.
For the glaze
11:42 Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth and thoroughly combined. Spoon half of the glaze mixture over the meatloaf and spread evenly over the loaf. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
13:37 Transfer the baking sheet to the center rack of your 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining glaze evenly overtop, then return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the center of the meatloaf reaches 160F (72C).

Notes
Baking in loaf pan
For best results, do not bake this meatloaf in a bread pan.
Storing
Allow meatloaf to cool then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Making in advance
You can prepare this meatloaf in advance! Follow the instructions through step 12, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You’ll likely need to bake longer to make sure it’s cooked through since it will be cold.

[donnahuntley]

I made this over the weekend. It was fantastic. My husband hates meatloaf, and I have tried so many recipes that I've lost count. He loved this, and I loved it. I will be making it again!

[scottthomas]

I made this last week. It was outstanding. Thank you for sharing your expertise. You have one of the best cooking channels on YouTube.

[aliciaeakins]

I will 100% make this! My favourite meatloaf story: my dear mom (god rest her soul) made meatloaf for me probably 30 years ago. She used oatmeal as a binder. It was delicious, and the next day we attempted to have leftovers. I took it out of the fridge and tried to cut it. It wouldn't cut! It was so rock-hard that I couldn't cut it, even with a sharp knife. My mom thought I was exaggerating, so she tried. All I heard her say is "oh my god....". Sam, the meatloaf was uncutable. We had to throw it out. I never let her forget that (in a loving, fun way; my mom had a great sense of humour). Yes, I'm Canadian, in case anyone is wondering about my spelling of favourite and humour! :)

[thegringobaker]

I had planned to shoot a baked mashed potato video today and have it for dinner with "something", Now I know what that something will be... this looks delicious! I don't typically add any kind of glaze to my meatloaf as I hate ketchup, and my wife isn't crazy about BBQ sauce, but I think I'll follow your recipe and glaze about half of the meatloaf. I love your tip about using a cookie sheet! I have always used a loaf pan and hated the amount of grease in there. Great video as always!

[littlewesternwoman]

Thank you Sam! Can't wait to make this - it looks and sounds like a "glow up" for the standard meatloaf. And thanks for including lots of helpful tips to improve the preparation. Yum! ❤

[shannonrhodes]

Perfect timing! I planned on making meatloaf tonight, I will give this recipe a try. Thanks

[heidid]

I love meatloaf and this recipe looks extraordinary! Yum! Thanks, Sam. ❤️

[juliestock]

I made this last night an it was perfection!! Thank you for this great recipe and detailed instruction!!

[Michelle-Gxjq]

This looks sooo good, I am practically drooling, lol. Can't wait to try❤

[terib]

Awesome! Learned a few new tips I will definitely try! Thank you for all your wonderful videos!💕💕

[rosiebess]

I make mine with sweet baby rays BBq sauce & it’s BOMB

[CBecky]

This recipe looks delicious. I don’t make meatloaf often but will definitely use this recipe on my next one. I make your chili often, love it, best chili Ever! Can’t wait to try this meatloaf. ❤

[karenhightower]

Perfect timing. I’ll be making this one in the next day or two. ♥️

[gordkudeba]

We tried your bagel recipe and now I make them for my son every weekend

[ginacampbell]

The best of meat lofe. Ever, I followed your directions thanks 😊

[Otto]

That meatloaf looks delicious, Ms. Sam. I like the way you prepared it.

[aideperez-pena]

That looks delicious 😋 I will most definitely make it.

[karenbochinski]

WOW you are amazingly detailed. Learned so much

[cindysnow]

Your videos and recipes are great! Thank you. 😋

[tonycoghill]

Hey, just found your channel and love it ! I've got to try this ml recipe because all of the others that I tried disappointed really bad... I'll bet this one doesn't ... watch out Laura, this one's comin for ya ! ❤ Subbed, liked and will continue watching ! Thanks !