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Easy Meatloaf: The Simple Comfort Food That Never Disappoints

Easy Meatloaf: The Simple Comfort Food That Never Disappoints

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  • Author: Emily
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Add the Topping:
    Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.

  5. Bake the Meatloaf:
    Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  6. 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