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Easy Meatloaf Recipe

easy meatloaf recipe: A sliced, freshly baked meatloaf topped with tangy glaze, served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Introduction

If you’re searching for a foolproof and delicious easy meatloaf recipe, you’ve come to the right place! Meatloaf is the quintessential comfort food, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and hearty flavor. This guide will take you step-by-step through creating a meatloaf that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to become a household favorite.

What Makes This an Easy Meatloaf Recipe?

This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. It uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, such as ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and a few pantry spices. Unlike more complex recipes, there’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated steps. You’ll mix everything in one bowl, shape the loaf, and let the oven do the work.

Another hallmark of this easy meatloaf recipe is its fail-proof glaze. Made with ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a sweet and tangy burst of flavor to every bite.

Why Meatloaf is the Perfect Meal Option

  1. Budget-Friendly: This recipe is cost-effective, requiring simple and affordable ingredients.
  2. Versatile: Add veggies, switch up the seasonings, or try different glazes to make it your own.
  3. Meal Prep-Friendly: Meatloaf freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking and saving for future meals.
  4. Family Favorite: Its rich, savory flavor and tender texture make it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Meatloaf Recipe

  • Choose the Right Beef: For a moist and flavorful loaf, opt for ground beef with an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to lock in juices and ensure clean slices.

Pairing Suggestions

The beauty of this easy meatloaf recipe lies in its versatility. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. If you’re looking for a lighter option, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice work just as well.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe not only delivers on flavor and texture but also provides a comforting experience reminiscent of home-cooked meals from your childhood. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a casual gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this easy meatloaf recipe is the ideal choice.

Now that you know what makes this recipe special, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to bring this classic dish to life!

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 60 mins Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Cooking Temp 375  °F
Servings 6
Calories 300
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

A simple and foolproof meatloaf recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. This dish combines traditional ingredients with a few modern twists for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
  • For the Glaze
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
    Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
    2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
    3. Shape the Meatloaf
  3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet.
    4. Prepare the Glaze
  4. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
    5. Bake
  5. Bake for 1 hour. Halfway through cooking, spread the remaining glaze on top for a glossy finish.
    6. Rest and Serve
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1/6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g27%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 670mg28%
Potassium 400mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 6g
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 300 IU
Vitamin C 3 mg
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin D 0.5 IU
Vitamin E 0.3 IU

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

Keywords: easy meatloaf recipe, quick meatloaf, simple comfort food, classic meatloaf, best meatloaf recipe
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