Jackie's Special Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Jackie's Special Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 0.75 cup ketchup, divided; 1 tablespoon salt-free seasoning blend; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; salt to taste; ground black pepper to taste

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe

This savory meatloaf recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. Enjoy this delicious dish with a tangy ketchup glaze for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
cup ketchup, divided
1 tablespoon salt-free seasoning blend
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a baking pan.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten eggs, panko bread crumbs, and cup of ketchup. Mix the ingredients by hand until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the salt-free seasoning blend, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Season according to your taste.

Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared baking pan.

Step 5: Drizzle the remaining cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160F (70C).

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (6 servings per recipe):

Calories	257
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	107mg
Sodium	478mg
Total Carbohydrate	22g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	25mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	300mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food with origins that can be traced back to the early 19th century in Europe, though its rise to fame in the United States was closely tied to the availability of inexpensive ground meat. In the U.S., meatloaf became a staple dish during the Great Depression, when families were looking for budget-friendly meals. Over time, recipes have evolved to suit regional preferences and personal tastes, and Jackie's Special Meatloaf stands out as a modern take on this classic dish, with a combination of simple ingredients and a secret touch of seasonings that give it a flavorful twist.

Regional Variations

In the United States, meatloaf recipes can vary significantly depending on the region. For instance, in the Midwest, it is common to find meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and gravy, while in the South, it might be paired with cornbread or even smothered in barbecue sauce. Jackie's Special Meatloaf, however, uses Japanese panko bread crumbs to give it a unique texture, adding a crispy edge while keeping the inside moist and tender. This is a departure from traditional American meatloaf, which often uses regular bread crumbs or oats as a binder.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While meatloaf is a dish found in many cuisines worldwide, each region brings its own special ingredients. For example, the Italian version of meatloaf, known as "Polpettone," incorporates herbs, cheese, and sometimes vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. The British variation, "Meatloaf Wellington," is often wrapped in puff pastry. In contrast, Jackie's Special Meatloaf stands apart with the inclusion of panko crumbs, which offer a delicate crunch, and the savory use of ketchup and seasoning blends that elevate the dishs flavor. These modifications make Jackie's version a simple yet contemporary twist on the traditional American meatloaf.

Where It's Typically Served

Jackie's Special Meatloaf is typically served as a hearty family dinner. In the U.S., it is a popular choice for weeknight meals, often accompanied by classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches, making it a versatile dish that spans both lunch and dinner. The easy-to-make recipe also makes it a great choice for potlucks and gatherings, as its affordable and can be scaled up to serve a large crowd.

Interesting Facts

In the early 20th century, meatloaf recipes gained popularity in the U.S. thanks to the widespread availability of processed meat, which made it more affordable for families.
Many families have their own unique meatloaf recipes, and its common for individuals to modify the dish to suit personal preferences, such as adding vegetables, spices, or different types of meat.
The use of panko breadcrumbs in Jackie's Special Meatloaf provides a lighter texture than traditional breadcrumbs, a technique borrowed from Japanese cuisine that has become widely adopted in global cooking.
In some cultures, meatloaf is served as a celebratory dish, especially for holidays or special occasions. It is often shared among family and friends, making it a symbol of togetherness and comfort.

FAQ about Jackie's Special Meatloaf Recipe

Yes, you can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even homemade breadcrumbs. Just keep in mind that the texture may slightly change, as panko tends to be lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs.

You can freeze the meatloaf both before and after baking. To freeze it uncooked, form the loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil. For freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. When ready to use, bake from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

To keep the meatloaf moist, use a higher-fat ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 ratio) rather than leaner options. Also, don't skip the egg and breadcrumbs, which help retain moisture. If you're baking it on a rack to allow fat to drain, ensure you use a fattier ground beef to prevent dryness.

If you're not a fan of ketchup, you can substitute it with BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or a mix of tomato paste with a little sugar and vinegar. Some people also use a combination of Worcestershire sauce and steak sauce.

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, carrots, or celery. Just make sure to sauté the vegetables first to avoid excess moisture in the meatloaf.

If you don't have a salt-free seasoning blend, you can substitute it with individual herbs and spices like dried thyme, basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. Just adjust according to your taste preferences.

The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the meatloaf is firm and no longer pink in the center.

Cooked meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Absolutely! Leftover meatloaf makes great sandwiches. Simply slice the meatloaf and add your favorite condiments like mustard, mayo, or pickles for a delicious lunch option.

Comments

miasmama18

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I don't even like meatloaf, but I kind of tweaked the recipe, and it's AWESOME!!! I didn't have panko crumbs, so I just used regular bread crumbs (a little more than 1 cup). I also am not a fan of ketchup, so I used 1 part ketchup, 1 part BBQ sauce, 1 part steak sauce, with a little bit of Worchestershire. THe meatloaf turned out moist and absolutely delicious! You have made me into a meatloaf believer!!

lutzflcat

10/04/2023 03:33:55 PM

This was specifically made for lunch sandwiches this week. A number of reviewers mentioned that they thought this had too much ketchup, so I cut that to 1/3 cup for the meat and used chili sauce instead of ketchup for the topping (my go-to on meatloaf). The one thing that I didn’t have was salt-free seasoning, so I sub’d Trader Joe’s Mushroom and Co. Umami Seasoning Blend. I’ll definitely use that again, because it added great flavor. We liked this, but my husband commented that he missed the veggies (i.e., celery, onion, bell peppers). The meatloaf recipe I typically make is his (MANY ingredients), so I’ll take that comment in its context. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. I baked in an 8x4 loaf pan, and it was a little overdone at 1 hour, so in the future, I’ll start checking for doneness at 45 minutes. This turned out pretty well, and I will make it again, especially if I want meatloaf sandwiches.

Penny Young-Bishop

10/26/2023 08:12:34 PM

Mine is similar except I will add Mrs Renfroes green salsa for more taste and i only use the ketchup on the top. Oh i also use saltines instead of panko bread crumbs....best ever

stef k

03/23/2009 03:47:39 PM

My husband loves meatloaf. After making this last night he told me to stop the decade-long search for the right recipe because I have finally found it! I used bbq sauce instead of ketchup and made my own breadcrumbs (2 slices of bread in the food processor = 1 cup of crumbs). I can't vouch for how greasy this dish would be if cooked the traditional way because I elevate my meatloaf on a rack in the baking pan so the fat drips off. Sometimes drier recipes can tend to be very dry doing this, but this one was not. A note: if you try this method, make sure to use at least 90/10 ground beef, as lower fat varieties will be too dry.

Amy Martin

01/12/2010 04:54:54 PM

OMG, so good I cried 😱

mcarter619

03/17/2016 01:00:16 PM

Good recipe, but I did change some things. Instead of ketchup I used 1/2 cup of milk because I didn't want a glaze on top, 1/2 chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp worchestshire sauce and I added finely chopped fresh herbs. Made a easy brown gravy. It was delicious.

Katrina Swoboda

10/08/2011 04:15:44 PM

Great simple recipe! I did use my own glaze for the meatloaf, instead of just ketchup. I mixed 1/4 C. ketchup, 1 tsp. prepared mustard, and 3 Tblsp. brown sugar and spread it on top of the meatloaf. Then baked it for the suggested time and temp. Big hit for our family! Will be a repeat recipe for us.

christine belpedio

11/17/2023 05:45:52 PM

For a special twist, use 8oz tomato sauce, 14C brown sugar and 1T white vinegar in place of the ketchup; mix 2T to meat and pour rest over loaf before baking !!! Mmmm

Kat

08/26/2013 08:25:58 PM

Love it. easy. moist and easy to change up the flavor. Added a tablespoon of McCormicks Grill Mates - Molasses Bacon seasoning. Kept the 1/2 cup ketchup in the meat mixture. I poured 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkled additional Molasses Bacon seasoning over the top before baking. Yummy.

charbar

10/03/2015 02:08:35 PM

Always on the look out for a good meatloaf-- this was a PERFECT jumping off point. I like to sneak veggies into my meatloaf, so I sauteed some minced carrot, celery, and onion and threw that in. I used a total 1/2 cup of binder- ketchup, some BBQ and worcestershire, I think (I get a little mad chef sometimes and just throw stuff in). My boyfriend and I agreed this was our favorite so far! Thanks Jackie!

SwiftPrawn8697

02/22/2025 12:55:20 AM

We both loved it. I dislike ketchup or tomato sauce on meatloaf. Left it out and did not miss it. Added some shredded cheese on top for the last 10 minutes

Donald Allen

12/08/2024 01:20:41 AM

Even my picky eaters gave it thumbs up.

Dixie62

10/18/2024 06:07:25 AM

Well I guess I did I used tomato soup instead of ketchup but I put ketchup on the top of the meatloaf and it was awesome 👌 Thank you 😊

jojo

08/21/2024 01:01:41 PM

Nothing special about this "recipe" at all. This is just the base for making a real meatloaf by adding ingredients to make it special and tasty.

Jerry

01/12/2024 11:09:04 PM

Been making this recipe for years. Deviated from it last time and was told by everyone they wanted the "old" recipe done. Very moist is what makes this a hit.....even my wife who doesn't like meatloaf loves this recipe.

gayle

11/19/2023 12:59:20 AM

Nit good. Very mushy. Probably because there is too much filler and not enough burger.

EmilyB

11/17/2023 04:49:02 PM

This is like every other meatloaf recipe on the planet. Even on other planets. This is 'Special Meatloaf' why?

snowy

11/17/2023 03:53:09 PM

This is just a standard meatloaf recipe like my mom made for 70 years, and her mom before that. Seriously, it 's not "special." But still a family fave - for about 100 years.

Holly Warnecke

10/26/2023 08:15:44 PM

Really good. I used venison because it was what I had on hand, I could have put iin a little milk or fat because the venison was so lean, but still most and delicious. And so easy! I'll make it again. :)

Mary Hansen

10/19/2023 05:48:47 PM

I used rolled oats instead of the panko crumbs, onion and garlic instead of the powders, 1 teaspoon salt instead of substitute. I was leary of that much catsup in the loaf, so I cut by half. Turned out great, but realized I more or less changed this recipe to my usual one. Go figure!

Cook Time: 360 minutes

Jackie's Special Meatloaf Recipe