Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe

This delicious meatloaf recipe by Joanna Gaines is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it uses simple, everyday ingredients like breadcrumbs, ketchup, and ground beef. The sweet and tangy sauce topping adds a mouthwatering finish, making it a hearty dish everyone will love!

Recipe Ingredients:

• ½ medium onion diced
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce

• ½ cup chili sauce see note
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional

How To Make Meatloaf Recipe?

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 180°C / 350°F. Line a rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Cook the onions: In a small pan, sauté the diced onion in butter over medium-low heat until softened. Let the onions cool completely.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb.
4. Mix the meatloaf: Add the ground beef, cooked onions, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
5. Shape and bake: Shape the mixture into an 8 x 4 inch (20 x 10 cm) loaf on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 40 minutes.
6. Make the sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, mix together the chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar (if using).
7. Glaze and finish baking: Spread the sauce over the meatloaf and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C / 160°F. For a caramelized finish, broil the meatloaf for 1–2 minutes if desired.
8. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips:

• Don’t skip cooking the onions: Cooking the onions in butter before adding them to the meatloaf helps release their natural sweetness and prevents them from tasting raw in the finished dish.
• Let the breadcrumb mixture rest: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk and eggs for a few minutes ensures a moist and tender meatloaf texture.
• Mix gently: Overmixing the ingredients can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Combine everything just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Use a baking tray, not a loaf pan: Shaping the meatloaf by hand on a tray allows for better caramelization on the outside and prevents it from becoming soggy.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 70°C / 160°F, ensuring it’s cooked through without drying out.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: First, let the leftover meatloaf cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 160°C / 320°F. Place slices of meatloaf in the basket and heat for 3–5 minutes, ensuring they are evenly warmed and slightly crispy on the edges.

Check out More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Meatballs Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Chili Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice