The only Meatloaf Recipe, you’ll ever need!
I’m not going to lie … Meatloaf was something I actually hated growing up… FINALLY, I can admit to it. I’m not sure what my mom put in it, but whatever it is I hated it. I never understood why people liked meatloaf, and I never cared… Until I met my husband!
I remember when I first met my husband and we started dating. He loved the fact that I could cook. Like he was so impressed that I could cook food without using a box . I knew I had him wrapped around my finger, from the first dinner I had ever made him. One day I asked him, what his favorite meal was and he replied ” Meatloaf!”.. I almost died. I couldn’t believe that his favorite meal was freaking MEATLOAF. Why couldn’t he say steak, or mac and cheese. He had to say meatloaf. I thought I had a crazy man on my hands, but I played it cool and smiled and promised to make him some darn meatloaf. That evening I searched high and low for a meatloaf recipe… I came across several that actually seemed okay, but then I didn’t know what kind of meatloaf to make him. Did he want gravy, barbecue, or what? I studied him over the next few weeks, and picked up what kind of foods he liked, and I simply ran with that.
- He liked everything barbecue ( omg all the barbecues he made me go to….)
- He loved onions and peppers
- He hated gravy ( I seriously thought he was crazy when I figured this one out!)
I had a lot to work with… From that point, I simply created very basic but OUTSTANDING meatloaf recipe… To make a long story short, he loved it. He requests it at least once every two weeks… and I am now a meatloaf lover myself! ( By the way – please don’t tell my mom that I hate her meatloaf… I’d never hear the end of it)
For my meatloaf, I use a combination of our favorite things… I have onions, peppers, garlic, salsa, and I even use cheese. I actually started using cheese, after discovering that our favorite diner put cheese in their meatloaf, and my family loves it. I use the salsa because it has a nice mild flavor AND tomatoes.
You can definitely change this recipe up a bit. Feel free to experiment ( that’s how I came up with my meatloaf!)
I used a loaf pan to shape up my meatloaf. You can used your hands or whatever else. Also, feel free to make meatloaf meatballs with this recipe… They’re amazing!!!
Here’s the video tutorial
The Best Meatloaf Recipe EVER
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 slices of bread
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bell peppers any colors
- 1 medium onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup chunky salsa
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven on 350 F.
- Place the ground beef into a large bowl.
- Place the bread into a separate bowl, then pour the milk over the bread. Let it sit for two minutes, then crumble the bread.
- Add the bread and milk mixture , and two eggs into the bowl with the ground beef.
- Use your hands to combine the ingredients.
- Dice/ Chop the celery, peppers, and onions, then saute them in a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the vegetables for about 3 minutes over medium heat, then let it cool off.
- Once the veggies have cooled add them to the meat mixture.
- Add Everything else to the bowl, EXCEPT the barbecue sauce.
- Use your hands to combine the ingredients.
- Mold the meat into your desire shape, then place it in a bake dish.
- Pour the barbecue sauce on top of the meatloaf, and spread it all over.
- Bake the meatloaf, uncovered, on 350 F for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, drain any fat that maybe in the bake dish,and let it sit for 10 minutes before digging in.
- Enjoy!
Looks so delicious, keep up the good work!!!!(way to go girl!!!)
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I made this meatloaf for church today. It was wonderful!!! Thank you for this wonderful recipe. My go to from here on out.
Glad that you liked the recipe!
Thanks Rosie for the great meatloaf recipe, I’m going to try it
Great recipe.
FYI I noticed the printed recipe did not include the 2 eggs added to the meat.
Thank you for bringing that to my attention!
Made this today Rosie, delicious!!!! I made a couple of changes left out the celery & instead of bbq sauce, used tomato sauce (seasoning, honey, brown sugar). Thanks again for another awesome recipe.
Hi CeeCee. Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Can I substitute the milk for water? I want to make this today.
I would stick to the recipe for best results 🙂
Going to definitely try this. It looks so “down Home” comfort food. Thats what I am into. Just go food and easy to make. Thank you for posting.
Thanks for coming by Jay!
Fantastic meatloaf.
Thank you!
If I used regular store bought bread, do I have to toast it first or let it dry?
Either way would work.
This meatloaf looks so good…definitely trying this recipe. We LOVE meatloaf and leftover meatloaf sandwiches!!! Pinned. Thanks for another great recipe!
It’s definitely my favorite meatloaf recipe. We have it several times a month. XOXO
Can you make this recipe in a crockpot?
Sure can.
I’m making meatloaf for 40-45 people, (homeless group downtown that some of us women cook for every Saturday). I want to use your recipe. I’ll be using 13-14 lbs of hamburger. Any suggestions on the recipe? Thanks so much. I’m sure they’re going to LOVE it.
Hi Shanna! I think that what you’re doing is great! You and the other ladies are wonderful for doing what you do. Try using this recipe x6 . There should be more than enough for everyone.
I want to make this over the weekend but I was wondering if I could use ketchup instead of bbq?
If you like ketchup on your meatloaf, sure.
Hi. I am going to try this the weekend. What kinds of shredded cheeses do you use in your recipe.
I used cheddar cheese
Did you add onion soup mix? I identified all the seasonings you added in your video except for the blended seasoning mix.
All the ingredients are listed.
Hi Rosie ,
This meatloaf recipe that you created is absolutely outstanding !! Be proud of yourself ! 🙂
Awesome Meatloaf! Very tasty and very moist! Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Hi Rosie
Do you have a particular BBQ sauce you prefer using with the meatloaf recipe?
Hi Kellie! I have several. Sweet Baby Rays, KC Masterpiece, Bullseye… I really like the hickory flavored ones these days 🙂
I use KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, I never thought of sauteing my onions and peppers but will the next time, I can’t use the cheese as it doesn’t agree with my husband but I do use Panko Bread Crumbs and eggs it is a big hit. Thanks Rosie we’re pretty close on recipes.
Wonderful recipe! I don’t like meatloaf and I loved this!! Well done
Hi Rosie, do I add the eggs after the bread and milk mixture with the ground beef? Planning on making this tomorrow. Thanks a ton!!
Hi Laura! Please be sure to watch the video tutorial 🙂
ok, sure will. I def plan on watching the video 🙂
Hi Rosie, forgot to add can I also use this recipe with turkey meat?
You can try ground turkey 🙂
HI Rosie.. I also wanted to know about the ground turkey. Do you prefer this recipe subbing beef for turkey, or the recipe you have for the turkey meatloaf? I like the seasoning in the best ever recipe, but you would definitely know better. Thanks
Hi there! I actually like both recipes. I can’t choose 🙂
Hi Rosie, can you tell me what spices I can possibly put on my ground turkey to season it just right? Seems like everytime I put seasonings on mine it’s either too much or not enough. I just want to make sure my meat is perfect tasting. Please advise!
Hi Laura! Try se all the seasonings listed, plus 1/2 tsp of ground cumin.
Oh, ok 🙂 I will def try that. Thank you so much. Finally I can get it right 🙂 I truly appreciate it Rosie 🙂 And please keep your recipes coming 🙂
I made this for dinner and it came out perfect!
Wow this meatloaf was amazing!!! I am just learning how to cook and I use a lot of your recipes but this one has to be my favorite I’m almost scared to tell my husband this is another woman recipes lol
LMAO!! You don’t have to tell your husband who’s recipe it is! 🙂
Hi Rosie, I tried this tonight as I had most of the ingredients and it was the best meatloaf I’ve had, moist and juicy and the tip with adding cheese really made a difference so happy I came across your blog I will definitely be cooking this up again very soon xo 🙂
Thanks for trying Cary!
Hi Rosie, I made this receipe and it came out great. My family loved this meatloaf. It was juicy and moist. Thank you, Rosie keep on posting your receipes. . Sherry
Thanks for trying!
I just tried this recipe and it’s delicious! Very moist and flavorful! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for the recipe! I’ve tried so many meatloaf recipes and this is my favorite!
Can I use wheat bread or would that taste funny ?
You can use wheat bread .
Even though the reviews are positive, I was skeptical about this recipe that had ingredients like cheese and BBQ sauce that I wouldn’t dream to put in a meatloaf but when I tell you this meatloaf was soooo darn good! My family gobbled it down and said it was best meatloaf I had ever made and I have to agree with them. Thanks for another outstanding recipe Rosie, I don’t know why I ever doubted you!
Hey Cristal! I appreciate you trying my recipe!!
Omg!!! I followed your recipe to the T and it turned out awesome!!! As all your recipes that I have tried. Thank you so much for blessing us with your gift!!!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I made it tonight for dinner and it was a hit. My boyfriend said it’s the best meatloaf ever. Again thank you.
Is there a particular salsa that you use ? I love all of your recipes and this is my go-to page for when I’m looking for something ! I do have a favorite salsa but I would like to see what you use .
Hi Asiah! I actually use whatever is on sale. I’m not married to a brand at this time 🙂
I have used this recipe over the years to both meatloaf and meatballs. This recipe is a family and guests favorite. I even made this recipe for a church and everyone loved it.
Side note: I use Italian breadcrumbs rather than bread. It’s delicious!
Just made this for my family Wednesday night dinner. Love it. It’s a keeper
I loved the recipe Rosie. It was delicious! Your recipes are always great! Thanks!
This meatloaf was the recipe that really hooked me to Rosie. My friend and I would alternate Sunday nights at our homes and cooking for each other/ hosting to watch the tv show. Power. Anywho, she made meatloaf and my boyfriend wouldn’t stop talking about it. I had not a clue what to do because I really don’t like meatloaf. I looked this recipe and it said “the best meatloaf ever” so I said I’m going to roll with Rosie. I made this meatloaf with my own sauce & when I tasted it myself I knew I had accomplished what I needed. He agreed and this became a weekly or bi weekly meal in our house. Thank you Rosie !!!
Hello Cousin,
Tonight, we used your fabulous recipe to make mini meatloaf’s to place on the grill. They smoked for an hour and half and cooked to perfection. I was a little skeptical about the salsa but used it and did not make any changes or substitutions. This was delicious and will make again, a keeper!!! Thank you, your Cousin from Virginia
Thanks so much for trying my recipe cuz!! XOXO
I tried your meatloaf recipe. Family love it.
I love meatloaf…. it’s a comfort food from yesterday. But I like to tweek recipes, too. But I never pass up the chance to check out new recipes ideas. I’ve learned that if I use a grater/ food processor, I can actually sneak carrots, spinach and other goodies into the meatloaf and no one will notice. If you omit the tomato-y sauce on top, you can sautee mushrooms and make a thin gravy to pour over each serving as desired.