Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This savory herb-crusted homestyle meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful classic that comes together with fresh herbs and a tangy glaze. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it’s hearty, moist, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk and become mushy.
- Step 3: Add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika to the bowl. Mix well using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Step 6: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Step 7: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add a splash of beef broth or a handful of grated cheese to the mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatloaf.
- Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, but reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- Try topping the meatloaf with barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shape and bake it just before serving for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, or even crushed cereal can be good substitutes for breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf.
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Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf features a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, ground beef, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Soak Bread Crumbs: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk and become mushy, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground beef, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the soaked bread crumbs. Mix well using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its juiciness and shape.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, thyme, and rosemary if fresh is not available.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or a mix of ground beef and ground turkey.
- Leftover meatloaf slices can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, homestyle meatloaf, herb meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner

