Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf is the epitome of timeless comfort food. This savory dish brings together simple ingredients and turns them into a deeply flavorful and satisfying dinner centerpiece. The rich onion blend infused with tomato paste and fresh thyme gives the meat a complex aroma, while the glaze of ketchup on top adds a sweet-tangy finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy Sunday dinner or looking for leftovers that reheat like a dream, this meatloaf delivers on all fronts. It’s an ideal meal prep choice, too—slice and store it for quick lunches or pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for the ultimate nostalgic feast. This hearty loaf proves that a few pantry staples and a little love can create a meal worth sharing around the table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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⅓ cup chicken stock
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
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1 cup plain breadcrumbs
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2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
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½ cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
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In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté chopped onion for 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Add thyme, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and chicken stock. Stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Let mixture cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
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Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
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Spread a layer of ketchup over the top for a rich glaze.
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Bake for 60–65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
About Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf
Ina Garten’s classic meatloaf recipe is a beloved staple that embodies everything people love about comforting, home-cooked meals. Known for her simple yet elegant cooking style, Ina has transformed the humble meatloaf into a gourmet-level dish without making it overly complex. This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, moisture, and texture, offering a meatloaf that is far from dry or bland. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that evokes nostalgia and warmth—ideal for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weekly meal prep.
What makes this version of meatloaf special is its thoughtful layering of ingredients and techniques. Ina’s use of fresh aromatics, herbs, and a simple glaze creates a depth of flavor that’s both rich and familiar. The dish comes together quickly, making it practical for busy weeknights while remaining elegant enough to serve to guests. It captures the spirit of Ina’s approach to cooking—delicious food, made with love, and designed to bring people together.
What Makes This Meatloaf Stand Out
There are countless meatloaf recipes, but this one has stood the test of time for good reason. The inclusion of sautéed onions infused with thyme and Worcestershire sauce adds a savory backbone to the meat, ensuring that each bite is well-seasoned and fragrant. Tomato paste and chicken stock add moisture and a touch of umami, elevating the flavor profile without overpowering the beef.
Another signature element of Ina’s version is the use of ketchup both in the meat mixture and as a glaze on top. This dual-purpose technique enhances both the interior richness and exterior caramelization. As the meatloaf bakes, the ketchup glaze transforms into a lightly crisp, glossy coating that locks in moisture and creates a beautiful finish.
Unlike some versions that rely heavily on fillers or seasoning packets, Ina Garten’s meatloaf uses high-quality ingredients and classic culinary techniques. There are no shortcuts—just carefully chosen components that let the natural flavors shine.
The Role of Ingredients and Technique
One of the keys to the success of this meatloaf lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The breadcrumbs help bind the loaf, while the eggs and broth keep it tender. These proportions are calibrated perfectly, which means the loaf holds together well when sliced but isn’t dense or heavy. The ground beef used is typically 80% lean, which provides just enough fat for flavor without being greasy.
The sautéed onions are not just added raw, as in many quick meatloaf recipes. Instead, Ina slowly cooks them in olive oil, allowing their natural sugars to develop and enhancing their sweetness. This is a small but crucial step that adds layers of flavor and ensures the onions meld seamlessly into the meat mixture.
Additionally, baking the loaf freeform on a sheet pan rather than in a loaf pan is another unique approach. This allows the exterior to brown more evenly and avoids the soggy texture that can result from loaf pan versions. Air circulation around the entire loaf helps develop that signature crust without drying out the meat.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another benefit of this classic meatloaf is its versatility. It stores exceptionally well and is even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. You can slice it into portions and freeze for future meals, or enjoy it in a sandwich, crumbled into pasta, or with a side of vegetables.
Because the recipe yields generous servings, it’s ideal for families or anyone who likes to batch-cook. The simplicity of the dish also makes it easy to pair with other favorites like mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or green beans. It holds its own as a centerpiece but also complements nearly any side dish you choose.
A Dish That Feels Like Home
Ina Garten’s meatloaf brings a sense of tradition and comfort to the table. It’s a dish that many grew up eating, but this version manages to elevate it without losing its homestyle roots. The ingredients are accessible, the instructions are straightforward, and the final result is consistently delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, becoming a go-to for holidays, potlucks, and quiet family dinners alike.
There’s something profoundly satisfying about a thick slice of meatloaf served warm, with the sweet-savory glaze glistening under the light. It doesn’t rely on culinary trends or fancy techniques—it’s timeless. That’s the charm of Ina Garten’s version: it respects tradition while refining the process for guaranteed success.
Why Home Cooks Love It
Home cooks appreciate this recipe for its reliability and simplicity. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who enjoys culinary challenges, this dish delivers impressive results every time. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and easy to personalize. You can add shredded cheese, substitute ground turkey, or incorporate additional vegetables depending on your preferences.
Even picky eaters and meatloaf skeptics have been known to come around after trying this version. It’s flavorful without being overwhelming, moist without being mushy, and filling without being too heavy. For many, it becomes a weekly staple—comforting and easy to return to after long days.
Health Considerations and Adaptations
While traditional meatloaf is not typically labeled as a “health food,” Ina Garten’s version can be adjusted for dietary preferences. Using leaner meat, reducing the amount of salt, or swapping breadcrumbs for oat flour or gluten-free alternatives are all easy modifications. You can also increase the vegetable content by folding in finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Those following low-carb diets can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. The recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to pair it with a cheesy side, making it suitable for many dietary needs with minimal changes.
Occasions to Serve It
Though meatloaf is often seen as a casual dish, this elevated version can be served on more formal occasions as well. With its deep, savory flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s fitting for a family Sunday supper or even a cozy holiday dinner. When paired with elegant sides—think garlic mashed potatoes or a roasted beet salad—it becomes a showstopping entrée.
It’s also a fantastic option for hosting, as it allows the cook to prepare it in advance and enjoy time with guests. You can shape and glaze the loaf earlier in the day, then simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s classic meatloaf is more than just a nostalgic dinner—it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. With thoughtful attention to ingredients, balance, and technique, this meatloaf offers deep flavor, satisfying texture, and universal appeal. It respects the roots of the traditional dish while refining it for the modern cook.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a gathering of friends, or simply craving something cozy and familiar, this recipe delivers in every way. It’s not just about feeding people—it’s about nourishing them with food that feels like home. And in that sense, Ina’s meatloaf isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory in the making.