I discovered the secret behind my perfectly balanced meatloaf that melds robust beef and pork flavors with hints of garlic and onion. My take on Amazing Meatloaf Recipes offers a tangy topping that surprises your palate. Join me as I reveal a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Simply irresistible.
I’ve spent years perfecting this meatloaf and believe me, it’s a game changer. I wanted to create something that stands out, and this recipe does exactly that!
Combining 1 lb of ground beef with 1/2 lb of ground pork gives it a rich depth of flavor, and mixing in breadcrumbs soaked in 1/2 cup of milk, along with two large eggs, really makes it come together. I also added a medium chopped onion and two cloves of garlic to boost the taste even more.
A dash of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper bring everything together while leaving room for that standout zesty topping made with 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. This isn’t your everyday meatloaf—it’s got tips and twists influenced by some of the best meatloaf recipes and even a nod to a few unexpected ingredients you might find in recipes with chili sauce.
Get ready for a meal that’s as surprising as it is delicious.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because:
1. I love how the mix of beef and pork makes the meat so juicy and flavorful.
2. I really enjoy that it’s easy to prep and cook even when I’m in a hurry.
3. The zesty topping gives it a sweet and tangy kick that always makes me smile.
4. I appreciate the simple ingredients that all come together to make something that tastes just like home.
This is probs the best meatloaf I’ve ever made. I’ve spent years tweaking it and now it’s finally perfect for me. Its tender, juicy meat covered with a killer zesty topping is just wow. I always look forward to making it, and even when I mess up a little, it still turns out delicious.
Ingredients
- Ground beef provides rich protein and hearty flavor, making the loaf super filling.
- Ground pork adds moistness and a subtle sweetness that complements the beef.
- Breadcrumbs contribute carbs and texture to help bind all the ingredients together.
- Milk gives creaminess and moisture, which keeps the meatloaf nicely tender.
- Eggs work as a natural binder, adding extra protein and keeping everything intact.
- Onion and garlic boost flavor with vitamins and antioxidants while giving a tangy kick.
- Worcestershire sauce intensifies the overall taste with a savory umami boost.
- The zesty topping of ketchup, brown sugar and mustard brings a sweet, tangy glaze.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the zesty topping – 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 medium finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
3. Add in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the mixture.
4. Mix everything together just until its all combined; dont over mix or else the meatloaf might end up too dense.
5. Transfer the meat mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it in evenly.
6. In a separate small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
7. Spread the zesty topping evenly over the meat mixture in the pan.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
9. Once done, take out the loaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your tender, juicy meatloaf!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – to bake the meatloaf at 375°F
2. Loaf pan – needed to hold the meatloaf while it bakes
3. Large mixing bowl – for combining the meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and other ingredients
4. Small mixing bowl – used to mix the topping ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate amounts of milk, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, etc.
6. Knife and cutting board – for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic
7. Spatula or large spoon – to mix the ingredients together without over working the meat
These are the basic tools u need to make this recipe work.
FAQ
The BEST Meatloaf Recipe We’ve Ever Had! Substitutions and Variations
- Ground beef: Try using ground turkey if you want a leaner version.
- Ground pork: You can also use Italian sausage for a richer flavour.
- Breadcrumbs: If you dont have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed saltine crackers work just fine.
- Milk: Almond milk or another non dairy milk can replace cow’s milk easily.
- Worcestershire sauce: Use soy sauce or even a dash of balsamic vinegar for a different twist.
Pro Tips
1. Try mixing the meat just enough until all is combined, cause overmixing can make your meatloaf way too dense and tough.
2. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven, that extra 10 minutes really helps the juices redistribute so every bite is super moist.
3. Be sure when you spread the topping, do it evenly so that the sweetness and tang from the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard really get into every part of the loaf.
4. If you can, check that your oven is calibrated right so your meatloaf bakes evenly and gets fully cooked without drying out.

The BEST Meatloaf Recipe We've Ever Had!
I discovered the secret behind my perfectly balanced meatloaf that melds robust beef and pork flavors with hints of garlic and onion. My take on Amazing Meatloaf Recipes offers a tangy topping that surprises your palate. Join me as I reveal a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Simply irresistible.
6
servings
556
kcal
Equipment: 1. Oven – to bake the meatloaf at 375°F
2. Loaf pan – needed to hold the meatloaf while it bakes
3. Large mixing bowl – for combining the meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and other ingredients
4. Small mixing bowl – used to mix the topping ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate amounts of milk, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, etc.
6. Knife and cutting board – for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic
7. Spatula or large spoon – to mix the ingredients together without over working the meat
These are the basic tools u need to make this recipe work.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1/2 lb ground pork
-
1 cup breadcrumbs
-
1/2 cup milk
-
2 large eggs
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
For the zesty topping – 1/2 cup ketchup
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 medium finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Add in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the mixture.
- Mix everything together just until its all combined; dont over mix or else the meatloaf might end up too dense.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it in evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
- Spread the zesty topping evenly over the meat mixture in the pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Once done, take out the loaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy your tender, juicy meatloaf!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 200g
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 556kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated: 2g
- Monounsaturated: 14g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg