Name: Easy Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup ketchup, divided; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for glaze)

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If you’re looking for a classic comfort food that’s simple to make and packed with flavor, then this Easy Meatloaf recipe is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something that feels like home. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that gets even better the next day as leftovers (if there are any left!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand
You get a perfectly tender and flavorful meatloaf every time
The meatloaf is glazed with a tangy, sweet topping that takes it to the next level
A crowd-pleasing dish that both kids and adults will love
It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days

Ingredients (A Sneak Peek)

You’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a few seasonings. The full list of ingredients is below!

Directions

Prepare the Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of ketchup. Mix everything together until it’s just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatloaf will be tough. You want it to stay nice and tender.

Form the Meatloaf

Once everything is mixed, transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan. Press it down gently to make sure it’s even and compact. This helps it cook more evenly and gives it that perfect shape.

Add the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ketchup and a bit of brown sugar or honey. This will be your glaze for the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf, making sure to coat it well. This glaze will caramelize as it bakes, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy topping.

Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check the meatloaf by cutting into the center to make sure it’s no longer pink.

Let it Rest

Once your meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist. You don’t want to cut it too soon or the juices will spill out!

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s rested, slice your meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or any side dish you love. Don’t forget to spoon some of the delicious glaze over the slices for extra flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a lean ground beef (85% lean) for the best texture and flavor without being too greasy.
If you want to keep your meatloaf moist, you can add a little milk or broth to the meat mixture.
Don’t skip the rest time after baking! It’s key to a juicy meatloaf.
Try adding some grated cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this classic dish.
Add in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even oats can work as a binder.
You can spice things up by adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a baked potato. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the meatloaf. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or a nice red wine would complement the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for a quick meal.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10 extra minutes of bake time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the whole meatloaf before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What can I use if I don’t have a loaf pan?
If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the meatloaf into a freeform loaf on a baking sheet. Just make sure it’s about the same size as a standard loaf pan to ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different glaze for the meatloaf?
Yes! You can experiment with different glazes like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a balsamic glaze for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Conclusion

This Easy Meatloaf is everything you want in a comfort food—simple, flavorful, and comforting. It’s one of those meals that reminds you of home and brings people together around the table. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Easy Meatloaf

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This Easy Meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal. Tender and flavorful with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and even better as leftovers.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Mix until combined.
Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even shape.
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ketchup and brown sugar or honey to make the glaze. Spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish, and spoon extra glaze over the slices.