Meatloaf. It’s one of the easiest main dishes you can make, but it gets a bad rap. The good news is you’re here, which means you know meatloaf doesn’t deserve the hate! Let’s make a seriously delicious meatloaf. 😎

sideview of homemade glazed meatloaf on a white serving dish

I’ll skip right to the secret of this delicious meatloaf: instead of using breadcrumbs, it uses finely crushed Ritz crackers. Their buttery flavor adds a layer of flavor to this meatloaf that breadcrumbs just can’t achieve.

Why You Will Love Homemade Glazed Meatloaf

Just add a side or two for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and more make great meatloaf sides.
It’s the perfect comfort food dish. Despite some people’s less-than-stellar opinions on meatloaf, it’s really the perfect comfort food dish and a great homecooked meal to share with family.
Leftovers are a breeze. Meatloaf is practically made for leftovers! It stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days and keeps its taste and texture when microwaved.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Meatloaf

Ingredient quantities for easy homemade are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Non-stick cooking spray
Extra-virgin olive oil
Ground beef
Yellow onion
Large eggs
Ritz crackers
Garlic powder
Ketchup
Dried thyme
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Salt and pepper

How To Make Homemade Glazed Meatloaf (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the meatloaf recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

overhead view of how to make a easy homemade glazed meatloaf

Photo 1: Preheat oven to temperature listed on recipe card (at the end of the post).
Combine all ingredients. Don’t overmix!
Photo 2: Take a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. Add the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet and shape it into a loaf, ensuring that it has an even thickness.
Photo 3: Bake the meatloaf for 35 minutes.
Photo 4: After 35 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush on the topping, and return it to the oven to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer shows that the internal temperature has reached at least 165 F.

More Meatloaf Recipes

You can serve more protein and a fun flavor to your family with this turkey loaf recipe. Choose from any number of our healthy dinner ideas to keep the whole family satisfied and healthy!
This Italian meatloaf is the perfect way to bring meatloaf and Italian flavors together!

sideview of healthy turkey meatloaf with ketchup glaze and sliced evenly on a white serving dish — **Turkey Meatloaf**

sideview of italian meatloaf covered in melted mozzarella cheese — **Turkey Meatloaf**

Meatloaf Tips

Want a firmer meatloaf? Use 3/4 cup or even 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers.
The higher in fat ground beef you use, the more the fat will leak out of the meatloaf as it cooks. This won’t cause an issue with the flavor or texture, but just make sure you’re baking the meatloaf in a pan with sides.

overhead view of sliced homemade glazed meatloaf topped with ketchup glaze and a side of roasted broccoli and carrots on a white serving dish

What Healthy Side Dishes Go Well With Glazed Meatloaf?

This sheet pan roasted veggies redefines what great-tasting vegetables should be! Also, it is convenient because most ovens can bake the meatloaf and the sheet pan veggies.
Roasted carrots and broccoli go so well with meatloaf that we served as the side dish when we included it in the meatloaf photos!
This easy baked zucchini and squash is delicious with any number of meals.
Baked Brussels sprouts are crispy and delicious. This recipe will change the way you view sprouts!
Roasted carrots and zucchini are delicious every time. An often not-thought-of delicious combo!

overhead view of oven roasted vegetables on sheet pan including broccoli, red peppers, summer squash, onions and cauliflower — **Oven Roasted Vegetables**

overhead view of roasted broccoli and carrots in white serving bowl — **Oven Roasted Vegetables**

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Meatloaf

Meatloaf. It's one of the easiest main dishes you can make, but it gets a bad rap. The good news is you're here, which means you know meatloaf doesn't deserve the hate! Let's make a seriously delicious meatloaf. 😎

Servings

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Western

Keyword dinner recipe, easy dinner recipes, ground beef recipes, low carb meatloaf, meatloaf recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Ingredients

Non-stick cooking spray
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
2 large eggs (whisked)
1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1/4 cup ketchup
Optional: 1-2 tbsp Brown Sugar

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients, making sure not to overmix.
Take a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. Add the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet and shape it into an 8” x 4” loaf, ensuring that it has an even thickness.
Bake the meatloaf for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush on the topping, and return it to the oven to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer shows that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. If it hasn’t, continue to cook it in 5-minute increments.
To get a crispier outside, broil the meatloaf for 1 minute (optional).

Notes

Want a firmer meatloaf? Use 3/4 cup or even 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers.
The higher in fat ground beef you use, the more the fat will leak out of the meatloaf as it cooks. This won’t cause an issue with the flavor or texture, but just make sure you’re baking the meatloaf in a pan with sides.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.