Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf

This meatloaf, inspired by Ina Garten’s timeless recipe, is a tribute to home-cooked comfort food at its finest. With deeply savory notes from sautéed onions, a hint of thyme, and a rich ketchup glaze, every bite is full of cozy, nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like a Sunday dinner.

What makes this meatloaf truly exceptional is how simple it is to prepare. With pantry staples and a few key flavor boosters like Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, it transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying family meal. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even in a sandwich the next day, this meatloaf is an all-around winner you’ll make again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

• 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 3/4 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 5 pounds ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 1/2 cups plain dry breadcrumbs

• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten

• 2/3 cup ketchup (for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion with salt, pepper, and thyme for about 8–10 minutes until translucent and soft.

3. Add Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat to cool slightly.

4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined do not overmix.

5. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

6. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.

7. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 70 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings

Few dishes deliver the same nostalgic satisfaction as a well-made meatloaf. And when it comes to timeless comfort food recipes, no one does it quite like Ina Garten. Her take on this American classic offers the perfect balance of savory flavor, juicy texture, and a sweet, tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is famous for her simple yet elegant approach to cooking. Her meatloaf recipe embodies everything people love about her style: approachable ingredients, foolproof steps, and results that feel both gourmet and deeply familiar. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this meatloaf is a reliable go-to you’ll keep coming back to.

Why Ina Garten’s Meatloaf Stands Out

Unlike dry or bland versions that give meatloaf a bad reputation, Ina’s recipe focuses on maximum moisture and flavor. Key to this is a base of well-sautéed onions, thyme, and a combination of wet ingredients like chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, which infuse the beef with depth and richness. Combined with just the right ratio of meat to breadcrumbs and eggs, it results in a moist, tender loaf that slices perfectly and doesn’t fall apart.

Another standout feature is the ketchup glaze, which adds a sweet-savory contrast and develops a sticky, caramelized top as the meatloaf bakes. This one simple topping transforms the dish from good to great, and gives it that signature “comfort food” look and taste.

A Brief History of Meatloaf

The origins of meatloaf date back centuries, with variations appearing in Europe as far back as the 5th century. In the United States, it gained popularity during the Great Depression as a budget-friendly way to stretch meat using fillers like breadcrumbs and vegetables.

Over time, meatloaf evolved from an economical necessity to a beloved staple in American home kitchens. Each family often has its own version, but Ina’s meatloaf is a polished take on the classic that stays true to its roots while delivering consistent results.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

While meatloaf is traditionally seen as a hearty, indulgent dish, this version strikes a nice balance between richness and wholesomeness. Using 85% lean ground beef provides protein without excessive fat, and ingredients like onions and tomato paste offer nutrients and antioxidants.

Breadcrumbs provide structure but also help extend the dish to feed a larger group affordably. You can also make substitutions or modifications to suit different dietary needs:

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
• To lower carbs, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and no-salt-added ketchup.

Meal Prep, Leftovers, and Freezer-Friendly

One of the best things about meatloaf is how well it keeps and reheats. You can prepare the entire loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the raw or baked loaf for long-term storage.

Leftovers are a dream. A slice reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, and the flavor often intensifies after a day or two in the fridge. You can also get creative with leftover meatloaf:

• Make a meatloaf sandwich with crusty bread, cheese, and a smear of mustard or more ketchup.
• Crumble it into tacos or pasta for a fun fusion twist.
• Chop and stir into soups or stews as a flavorful protein addition.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To complete the meal, serve your meatloaf with sides that complement its rich, savory profile. Classic pairings include:

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make colorful, nutritious sides.
• Mac and Cheese – For the ultimate comfort plate, serve meatloaf with a scoop of baked mac and cheese.
• Simple Salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness.

If you’re hosting a dinner or holiday meal, meatloaf can serve as the main event, easily scaled up or down depending on the number of guests.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about meatloaf is its adaptability. Ina Garten’s recipe is wonderfully balanced as-is, but you can tweak it to your taste or pantry:

• Add cheese – Mix shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan into the meat mixture for added richness.
• Spice it up – A dash of cayenne or hot sauce adds a gentle heat. You can also add minced jalapeños or chipotle powder.
• Mix proteins – Combine ground beef with pork or veal for more complexity and tenderness.
• Vegetable boost – Finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini blend in seamlessly and increase fiber.

These variations allow you to personalize the loaf while maintaining the comforting essence of the original.

Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Every Time

Even a simple dish can benefit from technique. Here are some pro tips to make sure your meatloaf is just right:

• Use sautéed onions, not raw – This mellows the flavor and adds moisture.
• Don’t overmix – Gently combine the meat and ingredients to avoid a dense or tough loaf.
• Form the loaf by hand – Shaping it on a sheet pan rather than using a loaf pan allows for even cooking and browning all around.
• Let it rest – Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.
• Use a thermometer – Bake until the internal temp reaches 160°F for food safety without overcooking.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Modern Home Cooks

In today’s busy world, recipes that are hearty, reliable, and flexible are gold. Ina Garten’s meatloaf fits that mold beautifully. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinner. It’s also a dish that invites togetherness—whether you’re cooking with family, prepping for guests, or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home.

What’s more, it’s budget-conscious, nutrient-dense, and highly customizable. You don’t need expensive ingredients or fancy tools, just a little time and care.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic That Never Gets Old

Ina Garten’s classic meatloaf isn’t just a recipe it’s a reminder that the best meals are often the simplest. It honors the traditional flavors we know and love while refining them for today’s tastes and lifestyles. Moist, flavorful, and finished with a sweet ketchup glaze, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that everyone at the table will appreciate.

Whether you’re introducing meatloaf to a new generation or rediscovering it yourself, this version is sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Paired with your favorite sides and a glass of wine or iced tea, this is a dish that feels like home every single time.