COMFORT FOOD • WEEKEND FAVORITES
Homestyle Meatloaf
Some meals have a way of bringing everyone to the table before they're even finished cooking. This Homestyle Meatloaf is one of those recipes. Tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it's the kind of comforting dinner that never goes out of style. In my kitchen, I prepare it with Impossible® ground meat for a hearty plant-based version, but it can just as easily be made with lean ground beef for a traditional family favorite. However you choose to make it, it's a meal that's meant to be shared.
PREP TIME
20 Minutes
BAKE TIME
1 Hour 10-15 Minutes
Recipe Details
Servings
8
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Ingredients
Meatloaf
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
½ cup bell pepper, finely diced
3 (12-ounce) packages Impossible® ground meat (or substitute 2 pounds of 80% lean ground beef)
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 eggs, lightly whisked
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
½–¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Lightly sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, until softened. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing into the meatloaf.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine:
Whisked eggs
Crushed Ritz crackers
Sautéed onion
Bell pepper
Shredded cheddar
Milk
Salt
Pepper
Add the Impossible® ground meat (or ground beef) and gently mix until everything is just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan.
Using a loaf pan helps the meatloaf keep its shape while staying moist throughout baking.
4. Bake
Bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly brush the glaze over the top.
Return to the oven and bake an additional 30–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
5. Rest
Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
During this time, the temperature will continue rising to the recommended 160°F, and the juices will redistribute throughout the loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered green beans
Roasted carrots
Fresh garden salad
Warm Rustic Rosemary Focaccia
Storage & Leftovers
Keep It Fresh
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals.
Freezing
Meatloaf freezes beautifully.
Wrap the whole cooked loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leftover Inspiration
One of my favorite ways to enjoy leftover meatloaf is tucked into toasted bread with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and a little extra glaze. It also makes a wonderful next-day lunch alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why sauté the onions and peppers first?
Cooking them briefly softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness, creating a more tender meatloaf.
Why use a loaf pan?
A loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape and retain moisture while baking.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can leftovers be frozen?
Absolutely. Slice and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Around Our Table
There are some dinners that simply make a house feel like home, and meatloaf is one of them. It's not fancy, and it doesn't need to be. The aroma drifting from the oven, the anticipation of that first slice, and a table surrounded by family or friends are what make this recipe special. Whether it's served on a quiet Sunday evening or shared after a busy week, this is the kind of meal that reminds us that the simplest traditions are often the ones we treasure most.
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more favorites from our kitchen that we think you’ll love.
From Our Kitchen
Rustic Rosemary Focaccia
With its crisp golden crust, tender airy interior, fragrant rosemary, flaky sea salt, and rich olive oil, this Italian classic is as beautiful on the table as it is delicious.
Ultimate Baked Mac &
Creamy, rich, and baked until beautifully golden, this Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese has become one of those recipes friends and family request again and again.
Summer Peach Cobbler
This Summer Peach Cobbler is one of those desserts that fills the kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of ripe peaches, butter, and vanilla.