Looking for a quick and easy meatloaf recipe? This classic dish takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is a favorite for its delicious flavor and simple ingredients. Perfect for a family meal, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Easy and Delicious Meatloaf Recipe |
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 meatloaf (9x5-inch)
Why You'll Love This Easy Meatloaf Recipe
This traditional meatloaf recipe is quick to make, using common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a savory meatloaf that's moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients for Meatloaf
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Meatloaf
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly, then transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until well combined. Pour the sauce over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly across the top.
3. Bake:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the center is no longer pink. For added safety, use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf |
How to Serve Meatloaf
Not sure what to serve with meatloaf? Here are some perfect side dishes to complement this hearty meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots or Italian peas to add a healthy and flavorful balance to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crunchy garlic bread is always a great addition to this dish.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- To Store: Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Double-wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap and foil for extra protection. Place it in a labeled, airtight freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Community Tips and Variations
This recipe is loved by the Allrecipes community, with members sharing their favorite variations:
- Make Mini Loaves: Alethea Taylor suggests making mini meatloaves to cut down on cooking time and for easier freezing.
- Add Veggies: Simpson recommends adding chopped green peppers for extra flavor and swapping ketchup for honey BBQ sauce for a sweet twist.
- Experiment with Sauces: You can customize the sauce by trying different combinations like BBQ sauce or a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Homemade Ground Meatloaf with Vegetables |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
Calories 372 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 25g | 32% |
Saturated Fat 10g | 50% |
Cholesterol 98mg | 33% |
Sodium 335mg | 15% |
Total Carbohydrate 19g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 9g | |
Protein 18g | 36% |
Vitamin C 3mg | 3% |
Calcium 81mg | 6% |
Iron 2mg | 13% |
Potassium 343mg | 7% |
Nutrition Facts |
Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
---|---|
Calories 372 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 25g | 32% |
Saturated Fat 10g | 50% |
Cholesterol 98mg | 33% |
Sodium 335mg | 15% |
Total Carbohydrate 19g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 9g | |
Protein 18g | 36% |
Vitamin C 3mg | 3% |
Calcium 81mg | 6% |
Iron 2mg | 13% |
Potassium 343mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.