If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, then this Easy Meatloaf recipe is exactly what you need. Meatloaf is one of those timeless dishes that feels like home—warm, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight or when you want to feed a family without a lot of fuss. This recipe is simple, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a moist, delicious meatloaf every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
What makes this Easy Meatloaf so special? For starters, it’s made with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No need to worry about fancy spices or difficult techniques—this recipe is all about simplicity and great flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite seasonings, add-ins, or even swap in different meats. Plus, it makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day in sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below)
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make this easy, delicious meatloaf:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Bread crumbs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Ketchup (for the topping)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, pepper, and dried herbs (such as thyme and oregano)
For the full list, check below!
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. You can also shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet if you prefer a crustier exterior.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape. If you’re using a baking sheet, form the mixture into a free-form loaf. You want it to be roughly the same size and thickness throughout for even cooking.
4. Add the Topping
For that classic meatloaf flavor, spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meatloaf should be cooked through but still moist and tender.
6. Let It Rest and Slice
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to slice. After resting, slice it into thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture. Mix just enough to combine everything.
- Add Moisture: If you want a super moist meatloaf, consider adding a splash of milk or even some grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini into the mix. They’ll add moisture and flavor.
- Use Lean Meat: Ground beef with a little fat (about 80/20 or 85/15) is ideal for meatloaf. Too lean, and the loaf might end up dry, while too much fat can make it greasy.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the meatloaf is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (71°C) at the center. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it doesn’t fall apart.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Meat Options: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for other types of ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, or pork. For a richer flavor, you can even use a combination of beef and pork.
- Glaze Options: While ketchup is traditional, you can use barbecue sauce, a tangy tomato-based glaze, or even a mixture of brown sugar and mustard for a unique twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, finely chop mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers and mix them into the meat. They’ll add moisture and boost the nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Easy Meatloaf is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the hearty meatloaf perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are excellent sides that balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the heaviness of the meatloaf and add a refreshing crunch.
- Mac and Cheese: For extra comfort, serve your meatloaf with a side of creamy mac and cheese.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover meatloaf is one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of meatloaf in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze slices of meatloaf. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw the meatloaf in the fridge overnight and then warm it in the oven or microwave.
4 FAQs
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and follow the same instructions.
Can I cook meatloaf in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook meatloaf in a slow cooker. Simply shape the meatloaf and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until it reaches the correct internal temperature.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Dry meatloaf can be caused by overcooking, using lean meat, or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure to use meat with some fat (80/20 ground beef is ideal), and don’t overmix the meat. Also, letting it rest after baking will help retain its moisture.
Can I freeze meatloaf before cooking?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf before baking. Shape the meatloaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Conclusion
This Easy Meatloaf is one of those recipes that you’ll keep coming back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner tonight or having leftovers for lunch tomorrow, this meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your home!
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Easy Meatloaf: The Simple Comfort Food That Never Disappoints
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Meatloaf recipe is a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy-to-make dish. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers a moist, delicious meatloaf with minimal effort. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy it as leftovers in sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup Bread crumbs
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Ketchup (for the topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Alternatively, shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet for a crustier exterior. -
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix well, but avoid overmixing. -
Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. For a free-form loaf, shape it on a baking sheet. -
Add the Topping:
Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze. -
Bake the Meatloaf:
Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). -
Let It Rest and Slice:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it dense and tough. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Moisture Add-ins: Add milk or grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra moisture.
- Use Lean Meat: Ground beef with a little fat (80/20) is ideal for keeping the meatloaf moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg