Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. This hearty recipe combines ground beef and sweet Italian sausage with a flavorful sofrito mix of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. The result is a moist, tender loaf with a rich depth of flavor. A layer of tangy ketchup baked on top creates a glossy, caramelized finish. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this meatloaf is satisfying, easy to slice, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 rib celery, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• ½ cup finely chopped green onion

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• ⅔ cup ketchup, divided

• 1½ pounds ground beef chuck

• ¾ pound sweet ground Italian sausage (or mix of sweet and hot)

• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

• ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center.

2. Prepare the Sofrito Base
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery, carrot, green onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer the Vegetables
   Cover the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender.

4. Season and Add Flavor
   Stir in salt and black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce and ⅓ cup of ketchup. Cook for 1 minute more, then remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

5. Mix the Meatloaf
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sofrito mixture with ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

6. Form the Loaf
   Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a free-standing loaf on a rimmed baking sheet. Gently press to compact and form evenly.

7. Top and Bake
   Spread the remaining ⅓ cup ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 155°F (68°C).

8. Rest and Serve
   Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 713 kcal

• Fat: 44 g

• Saturated Fat: 17 g

• Cholesterol: 212 mg

• Sodium: 1498 mg

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g

• Total Sugars: 11 g

• Protein: 49 g

• Vitamin C: 10 mg

• Calcium: 129 mg

• Iron: 6 mg

• Potassium: 941 mg

Why Classic Meatloaf Stays Timeless

At its core, classic meatloaf is a humble dish, originally created as a way to stretch ingredients and reduce waste. Over the decades, it’s evolved to suit a variety of tastes, but one thing remains consistent: it brings people together around the dinner table.

This version embraces tradition while introducing a few flavorful enhancements. The use of sofrito—a base of finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs—adds complexity and sweetness. It’s a technique used in many European and Latin American cuisines, and it works beautifully here to infuse the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

The pairing of ground beef with Italian sausage gives the loaf more depth and a touch of natural seasoning. The result is savory, slightly sweet, and hearty enough to stand on its own—or alongside your favorite sides.

The Role of Sofrito in Flavor Building

What sets this classic meatloaf recipe apart from many traditional versions is the aromatic sofrito base. Instead of simply mixing raw onions or herbs into the meat, this recipe begins by slowly cooking a mixture of aromatics in butter. The vegetables soften, sweeten, and meld into a savory paste that blends seamlessly into the meat mixture.

This technique not only infuses every bite with flavor but also improves the texture of the classic meatloaf. You won’t encounter chunks of raw onion or overly crunchy carrots. Instead, you’ll enjoy a unified, melt-in-your-mouth loaf that’s moist from edge to center.

Sofrito’s influence helps make this dish more than just a comfort food staple—it becomes a culinary experience that reflects the care and skill behind it.

Why Add Italian Sausage?

While ground beef is the traditional base for classic meatloaf, introducing sweet Italian sausage brings an additional layer of complexity. The sausage adds fat, flavor, and seasoning, eliminating the need for overly aggressive seasoning from external spices or sauces.

The sweetness of the sausage plays off the acidity of the ketchup topping, creating that ideal balance of sweet and savory. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage for a slightly spicy kick.

This blend of proteins also helps ensure that the classic meatloaf remains moist and tender after baking—never dry or crumbly.

The Secret to a Moist Meatloaf

A common complaint about meatloaf is that it can be dry or dense. This classic meatloaf avoids that entirely thanks to a few strategic techniques.

First, the cooked vegetable mixture adds both flavor and moisture. Secondly, the use of eggs and fresh breadcrumbs binds the ingredients without overcompacting them. Finally, the combination of meats provides the right balance of lean and fat, which is crucial for that juicy, fork-tender texture.

Baking the loaf in the center of the oven and letting it rest after baking helps retain the juices while allowing the flavors to settle. These little details transform a simple dish into something truly satisfying.

The Tangy Ketchup Topping

No classic meatloaf would be complete without a glossy, tangy ketchup topping. This recipe uses ketchup twice—first mixed into the meat mixture, and again as a glaze on top.

When baked, the ketchup develops a caramelized texture that’s slightly sweet, slightly tart, and deeply flavorful. It’s the signature finish that ties everything together, and it creates a beautiful presentation for serving.

For a fun twist, you can blend ketchup with a little brown sugar, Dijon mustard, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to customize the glaze to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Classic meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, both traditional and modern. Here are a few serving ideas to complement this dish:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate companion. Their buttery softness balances the savory density of the meatloaf.

• Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables: Light, crisp greens or roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts add freshness and texture.

• Mac and Cheese: For a heartier meal, serve meatloaf with a side of baked mac and cheese or cheesy cauliflower mash.

• Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the classic meatloaf and refresh the palate.

Whether you’re serving it with casual sides or dressing it up for a special dinner, classic meatloaf adapts well to your table.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

One of the best things about classic meatloaf is how well it keeps. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a great meal prep option.

Leftover slices can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but they’re also fantastic when served cold or pan-seared for a quick sandwich. Try layering a slice on crusty bread with lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mustard for an unbeatable meatloaf sandwich.

This recipe also freezes well. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Optional Variations for Every Palate

While this classic meatloaf recipe is beautifully balanced, it’s also flexible. Consider some of these variations to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.

• Cheese-Stuffed: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar in the middle of the loaf.

• BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy finish.

• Veggie-Loaded: Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the sofrito base to increase the vegetable content without sacrificing texture.

These customizations make it easy to keep the dish fresh and exciting with every preparation.

Conclusion

Classic meatloaf remains a beloved staple for good reason. With its satisfying texture, robust flavor, and comforting familiarity, it delivers on every level. This recipe, enhanced with a sofrito base and Italian sausage, brings a gourmet twist to a nostalgic favorite. It’s easy to prepare, flexible to suit different tastes, and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.

Whether you’re new to making classic meatloaf or simply looking to upgrade your go-to recipe, this version promises flavor, moisture, and weeknight-friendly simplicity. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation—earning its place as a true household classic.