There’s just something about this Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The perfect balance of juicy, savory beef with that tangy, sweet ketchup glaze makes every bite unforgettable—and it’s truly a timeless comfort food worth mastering.

A white oval plate holds a loaf of meatloaf glazed with a shiny dark reddish-brown sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces on top. Four thick slices are cut from the loaf, showing a moist, crumbly texture with bits of herbs and onions inside. A knife with a light brown wooden handle rests beside the loaf on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. In the background, a small wooden bowl with salt and pepper and a white plate of green vegetables are partially visible, along with two clear glasses of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I don’t know about you, but I always find meatloaf a bit intimidating until I nailed my go-to method. This recipe instantly became a family favorite because it’s straightforward, so flavorful, and reliably tender every time I make it.

Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to a balanced mix of beef, oats, and milk, you get a juicy meatloaf that’s never dry.
Savory Garlic and Herb Notes: Fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and garlic give it a home-cooked depth you’ll crave.
Simple yet Delicious Glaze: The ketchup glaze with Worcestershire sauce and a touch of sugar brings that classic tangy finish.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies, swap meats, or try different herbs, this recipe is a solid base to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role—from the ground beef providing richness to oats acting as a binder that keeps everything together without drying out the loaf. Here’s why these staples come together so beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef shaped loosely, a small finely diced white onion in a simple white ceramic bowl, four peeled and minced garlic cloves next to the onion, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl with dark glossy Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding quick-cooking oats, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh green parsley on a white plate, a white ceramic bowl containing mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals on a simple white dish, a small heap of ground black pepper on a white plate, and a small white ceramic bowl with light brown coconut or brown sugar granules, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I use 80/20 for the right fat content to stay juicy but not greasy.
Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the meat without adding chunks—freshness and subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Minced and evenly distributed for that undeniable savory punch.
Eggs: They bind the mixture helping it hold its shape nicely.
Ketchup: Both inside the meat and on top as glaze; it adds moisture and a touch of sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami note that elevates the flavor beyond basic beefiness.
Quick-cooking oats: Absorb moisture without getting mushy, keeping the texture perfect.
Milk: Moisturizes oats and beef, adding tenderness.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the loaf with fresh herbal hints.
Italian seasoning: Includes oregano, basil, and thyme giving it that comforting Italian-inspired flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient, making flavor pop.
Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Sweetens the ketchup glaze just enough to balance acidity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what mood we’re in. You can easily switch out herbs, add veggies, or swap beef for turkey for a lighter twist. The basic framework holds up really well to personalization!

Veggie Boost: Sometimes I fold in finely grated carrots or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrition and moisture.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the mix when we’re craving something with a little heat.
Cheesy Surprise: Throw in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a rich, gooey twist.
Alternative Meats: Ground turkey or a blend of pork and beef works wonderfully for different textures and flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

A rectangular shaped raw meatloaf mixture sits centered inside a white enamel baking dish with a thin black rim. The meatloaf has a rough textured surface with visible small pieces of white onion and green herbs mixed throughout its reddish-brown ground meat. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before mixing, I like to dice the onion small and mince the garlic finely—this helps them blend smoothly into the meat. Have your eggs ready to crack, and pre-measure your oats, milk, and seasonings to speed things up.

Step 2: Mix Gently but Thoroughly

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oats, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands—it’s the best way to fold everything together evenly without overworking the meat. Over-mixing can make it tough, so mix just until combined.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Form the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf on a rimmed baking sheet or casserole pan. This size is just right for even cooking. If you prefer, you can mold it directly into a loaf pan for a neater shape.

Step 4: Prepare and Brush the Ketchup Glaze

Mix ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and coconut or brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Brush this glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf—this is the secret to that shiny, flavorful crust you'll love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the meatloaf into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The key is the internal temperature—aim for 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy. Using a meat thermometer really saves the day here.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This little pause helps the juices redistribute so when you slice it, it stays tender and doesn’t fall apart. Then slice, serve, and enjoy!

Top Tip

Through years of making this recipe, I discovered little tricks that make a huge difference in turning out a moist, flavorful meatloaf every single time.

Don’t Over-Mix: Using your hands, mix just until everything is combined to keep the loaf tender and avoid a dense texture.
Use Quick-Cooking Oats: They absorb just enough moisture without getting gummy, unlike regular rolled oats.
Rest the Meatloaf After Baking: Letting it sit for 10 minutes before slicing keeps the juices locked in and prevents crumbling.
Glaze Generously: Don’t be shy brushing on the ketchup glaze—it caramelizes beautifully and adds irresistible flavor.

How to Serve Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

meatloaf with ketchup glaze - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top after slicing—it adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes or a spoonful of tangy mustard works wonders for dipping.

Side Dishes

For sides, I pair this meatloaf with classic creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple garden salad. When I’m feeling nostalgic, some buttery corn on the cob or steamed carrots make the plate feel like a true comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve shaped meatloaf into mini loaves or even meatloaf “cupcakes” topped with extra glaze and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions—kids and adults both love these playful sizes and the dramatic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps them fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheated properly, the meatloaf still tastes just as delicious.

Freezing

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually freeze the whole loaf uncooked or portioned cooked slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat meatloaf without drying it out is gently in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but be careful—it can become tough if overheated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different ground meats in this meatloaf recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef provides traditional flavor and fat content, you can substitute or blend in ground turkey, pork, or even veal. Just watch for moisture levels, as leaner meats may require a bit more liquid or added fat to stay tender.

What’s the best way to prevent my meatloaf from drying out?

The key is not to over-mix the meat mixture and to include moisture-retaining ingredients like milk and oats. Also, baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) ensures it’s cooked but still juicy. Don’t forget to let it rest after baking to retain those juices.

Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the quick-cooking oats with gluten-free oats or use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a binder. Just be mindful of the Worcestershire sauce ingredients and ketchup to ensure they're gluten-free brands.

How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meatloaf is safely cooked without being overdone. Avoid relying just on time alone as ovens vary.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Ketchup Glaze Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s so reliably comforting and simple. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too—it’s the kind of dish that brings smiles, satisfies cravings, and makes your home feel cozier. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and enjoy every delicious slice!