When it comes to classic comfort food, meatloaf is a classic that comes to mind and never goes out of style. It’s the kind of dish that’s packed with flavor and so simple to make, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. My meatloaf recipe combines lean beef, bright vegetables, fresh herbs, and a simple glaze that has just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this is the only meatloaf recipe you need!

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf recipe is all about balance. The lean beef keeps things light while the addition of fresh thyme, bell peppers, and green onions ensures every bite is flavorful. Crushed butter crackers act as a binder, adding just the right amount of richness without overwhelming the meat. And the glaze? It’s a simple yet necessary finishing touch, with just a hint of sweetness from brown sugar that complements the meat perfectly.

What Makes This Meatloaf Recipe Comforting?

Meatloaf is the definition of comfort food.
It’s one of the first dishes that comes to mind when thinking of comfort food.
It’s hearty, warm, and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Familiar flavors of onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce bring a nostalgic feel.
Perfect for cozy lunches or easy dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The leftovers are delicious.

Meatloaf Ingredients

Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients

Tips for This Meatloaf Recipe

Use lean beef: The 93% lean 7% fat ground beef in this recipe means you’ll get a meatloaf that isn’t greasy but still retains plenty of moisture.
Swap beef for ground turkey or ground chicken: If you don’t want to use beef, use ground turkey or ground chicken.
Crackers as a binder: Butter crackers add a buttery flavor, but you can swap them for panko, oats or breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Test the seasoning: Cook and taste a small patty in a pan before shaping your entire meatloaf to check for flavor balance.
Cook according to your oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so if necessary, adjust the cooking time based on how your oven heats.
Let it rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and makes cutting easier.

Optional: To ensure you like the flavor of your meatloaf before baking, test it by fully cooking a small piece of it in a skillet.

Sides to Serve with this Meatloaf

These sides add variety and enhance the comforting nature of the dish!

Mashed Potatoes: My creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of roasted broccoli, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and onions provides a nutritious and flavorful complement. Check out my guide on How to Roast Vegetables!
Buttered Corn: The sweet and salty flavors of buttered corn pair beautifully with the richness of the meatloaf.
Sautéed Green Veggies: Try my garlic sautéed green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts for a tasty, vibrant side.

That’s all there is to this hearty meatloaf recipe! It’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any day. With its blend of lean beef, fresh herbs, and that delicious sweet, tangy glaze, every bite delivers cozy comfort and warmth. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Whether you’re serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or crisp garlic sautéed green beans, this meatloaf is sure to become a go-to favorite for family dinners and easy meal prep. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors that make this recipe truly unforgettable. Enjoy!!