Easy Meatloaf
This Easy Meatloaf brings comforting flavors and smells that evoke childhood dinners, making it a great family favorite for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (85/15) Juicy but not greasy; swap half for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use panko for a lighter texture or gluten-free crumbs if needed.
- 0.5 cup milk Keeps the mixture tender; dairy-free milk works fine.
- 1 large egg Adds structure; use a flax egg as a vegan-friendly binder.
- 0.5 cup minced onion Caramelizes and sweetens the loaf.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and warming.
- 0.25 cup ketchup plus extra for the glaze Classic tang and shine; use barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Deepens the savory notes; tamari is a good substitute for a gluten-free option.
- 1 teaspoon salt Simple seasoning.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Simple seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning Herbal lift.
- 0.5 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional) Sneaks in veggies without changing texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a minute so they soften, keeping the meatloaf tender.
- Add the ground beef, egg, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the bowl. If using grated veggies, fold them in here.
- Using clean hands, gently mix until everything is just combined. Avoid overworking to keep the loaf light.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly. Brush an extra layer of ketchup over the top for a shiny glaze.
Baking
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Notes
For a smoky twist, stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and swap the ketchup glaze for a mix of ketchup and barbecue sauce. Make it lighter by replacing half the beef with ground turkey or a plant-based beef alternative. To save time, form the mix into individual patties and pan-fry.