Quick & Easy Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Nights

Joanna Gaines’s meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a heartwarming culinary experience that speaks directly to family comfort.

Classic comfort food rarely gets as satisfying and straightforward as this particular recipe.

Hearty ground meat mixed with carefully selected seasonings creates a deeply satisfying main course that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

Home cooks appreciate dishes that balance simplicity with rich, memorable flavors.

Regional cooking traditions often celebrate these kinds of unpretentious, soul-satisfying meals that bring people together around the table.

The magic happens when fundamental ingredients combine in just the right proportions, creating something greater than their individual parts.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory goodness that will make you crave seconds: gather your ingredients and get ready to impress!

What Makes Joanna Gaines’ Meatloaf a Classic

• Savor Homestyle Comfort: This meatloaf brings classic family-style warmth to your dinner table with its perfectly balanced blend of ground beef, herbs, and a deliciously sticky glaze that reminds you of grandma's cooking.
• Master Easy Weeknight Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe takes just over an hour to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy families who want delicious home-cooked food without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Flavor-Packed Textures: The combination of soft, tender meat mixed with caramelized sauce creates a delightful contrast – crispy edges meet juicy interior, delivering a mouthwatering experience in every single bite.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: The recipe offers flexible ingredients like choosing between chili sauce or ketchup, allowing home cooks to adjust flavors to their personal preferences while maintaining the core deliciousness of a classic meatloaf.

What You’ll Need for Joanna’s Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Lean meat with rich flavor, perfect for a hearty meatloaf that holds together well.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent that helps keep the meatloaf moist and compact.

• Milk, Breadcrumbs: Combine to create a tender, soft texture that prevents the meatloaf from becoming dry.
• Butter, Onions: Sautéed onions add depth of flavor and butter provides richness and softness.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall meat flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Parsley: Herbs that add aromatic complexity to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Chili Sauce: Provides tangy base for the glaze and adds moisture to the meat mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Optional ingredient that creates a sweet caramelized finish on the meatloaf glaze.

Bake Joanna Gaines’ Meatloaf Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a small pan, cook diced onions in butter over medium-low heat until they become soft and translucent. Allow the onions to cool completely before adding to the mixture.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.

Step 4: Combine Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Cooled sautéed onions
• Ketchup or chili sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Form and Initial Baking

Shape the meat mixture into an 8 x 4 inch (20 x 10 cm) loaf on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 6: Prepare Glaze Sauce

• Chili sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar (optional)

Step 7: Finish Baking and Glaze

Spread the prepared sauce over the meatloaf. Continue baking for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). For a caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal. Slice and serve hot.

Handy Tips for Juicy Meatloaf

• Unlock Onion Sweetness: Sauté onions in butter before mixing into the meatloaf to enhance their natural flavor and eliminate any raw taste.
• Master Breadcrumb Technique: Soak breadcrumbs in milk and eggs for a few minutes to guarantee a supremely tender and juicy meatloaf texture.
• Handle Meat with Care: Blend ingredients gently and minimally to prevent a dense, tough final product that loses its delicate consistency.
• Embrace Free-Form Shaping: Craft the meatloaf by hand on a baking tray instead of a loaf pan to achieve perfect caramelization and avoid unwanted moisture.
• Nail the Perfect Temperature: Rely on a meat thermometer to hit the precise 70°C / 160°F internal temperature, ensuring a safely cooked yet succulent meatloaf.

Proper Storage for Meatloaf Leftovers

• Freeze Strategically: Maximize meatloaf preservation by double-wrapping in plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor integrity. Label with the date to track storage duration up to 3 months.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Transfer cooled meatloaf to an airtight glass container for optimal freshness. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it edible for 3-4 days. Position container away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Reheat Perfectly: Slice meatloaf before reheating to ensure even warming. Use an air fryer at 160°C for 3-5 minutes, creating crispy edges while maintaining internal moisture.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and swap ketchup glaze with a chipotle-honey sauce for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture. Top with a light tzatziki drizzle instead of traditional glaze.
• Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the entire meatloaf with thin bacon strips before baking, which adds extra flavor and creates a crispy exterior. Use a maple-bourbon glaze for added depth and richness.
• Mushroom and Thyme Meatloaf: Mix in sautéed cremini mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves to the meat mixture. Create a red wine reduction glaze that complements the earthy mushroom undertones.

Wrapping Up with Joanna’s Meatloaf

Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf masterpiece transforms comfort dining into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating layers of robust flavor that comfort and delight.

Southern charm meets home cooking with this classic recipe that connects generations around dinner tables.

Warm aromas wafting through kitchens promise delectable moments of pure satisfaction.

Remarkable simplicity makes this dish accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.

Passionate souls who crave authentic, homemade goodness: share this recipe, spread deliciousness across social platforms, and inspire fellow meal enthusiasts with one click, one comment, one heartfelt recommendation.

Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic southern meatloaf brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables. Juicy ground beef blended with signature spices and topped with a tangy glaze promises a hearty meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef

Binders and Moisture:

• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ketchup or chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) butter

Seasonings and Breadcrumbs:

• ½ medium onion, diced
• ¾ cup (90 grams) Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons (2 grams) dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper

Glaze:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar, optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C / 350°F and lining a rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil, lightly coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a small skillet, gently sauté diced onions in butter over medium-low heat until they become translucent and soft, then allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
3. Create a binding mixture by whisking eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl, allowing the ingredients to meld and absorb for 5–10 minutes, which helps develop moisture and texture.
4. Incorporate ground beef into the mixture, adding cooled onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing gently to maintain a tender consistency without overworking the meat.
5. Carefully form the meat mixture into a compact 8 x 4 inch (20 x 10 cm) loaf on the prepared baking tray, ensuring an even shape for consistent cooking.
6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop initial flavor.
7. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar to create a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze.
8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, generously spread the prepared glaze over the surface, and return to bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 70°C / 160°F.
9. For an optional caramelized exterior, broil the glazed meatloaf for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier, then serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Caramelize the onions in butter first to unlock their sweet flavor and eliminate any raw taste in the final meatloaf.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk and eggs for a few minutes to guarantee an incredibly tender and juicy texture.
• Handle the meat mixture with a light touch, mixing just enough to distribute ingredients evenly without creating a dense, tough loaf.
• Form the meatloaf by hand on a baking tray to achieve perfect exterior caramelization and prevent unwanted moisture buildup.
• Verify doneness using a meat thermometer, targeting an internal temperature of 70°C / 160°F for safe and succulent results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 535 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg