Better Than Meatloaf

Elevate your dinner routine with "Better Than Meatloaf," a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe combines juicy ground beef and mild or spicy Italian sausage for a taste-packed base, while Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce add layers of depth. A brown sugar and mustard-spiked ketchup glaze caramelizes into a sweet and tangy topping, making every bite irresistible. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a stress-free bake in the oven, this meatloaf isn’t just simple to make—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfectly moist and savory, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it the ultimate family-friendly dinner idea. For an easy, satisfying meal that outdoes tradition, give this Better Than Meatloaf recipe a try!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 pounds Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it down gently to form a domed loaf shape.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.

Step 6

Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a spoon or silicone brush.

Step 7

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its shape and juices.

Step 9

Slice and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1919.3 grams (1919.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4168

Total Fat 271.10g	348%
Saturated Fat 105.60g	528%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1208mg	403%
Sodium 9256mg	402%
Total Carbohydrate 185.70g	68%
Dietary Fiber 7.70g	28%
Total Sugars 81.80g
Protein 235.40g	471%

Vitamin D 192IU	960%
Calcium 983mg	76%
Iron 27mg	151%
Potassium 3918mg	83%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.2%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 18.0%