Easy Recipe for Meatloaf

This easy meatloaf recipe is perfect comfort food flavored with juicy ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings and a sweet tomato-based glaze. This simple recipe is a classic like your mom used to make and will become a family classic.

It’s classic comfort food and this recipe is simple to make.

 

Trusted and Simple Meatloaf

We love to serve this recipe because it’s such a simple dinner, but looks rather fancy. Meatloaf is ground beef and a binding agent (usually eggs) that hold it together in a loaf pan shape.

It can be served plain, but is typically topped with a tomato-based glaze.

You might also like our Salisbury steak recipe.

Easy Meatloaf Ingredients

• ground beef
• eggs
• plain bread crumbs
• onion
• ground beef
• milk
• grated parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• ketchup
• minced garlic
• garlic powder
• parsley

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make a Simple Meatloaf

1. Start by preparing the breadcrumbs by toasting 2-3 pieces of white bread and removing the crusts. Place in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are small crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor you can chop the toast into tiny pieces with a knife. You can also use 1 cup of store-bought bread crumbs.
2. Next, in a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, parmesan cheese, and all of the dry and wet seasonings for the loaf and mix to combine.
3. Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs and the milk and pour into the meat mixture.
4. Using your hands, mix the meatloaf together. You can use a spoon, but hands are best because you don’t want to over mix the meat. Over mixing the ground beef mixture can cause the meatloaf to become tough.
5. Next, spray a loaf pan and add the meatloaf mixture, forming it into a loaf that fits into the pan.
6. In small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce and pour half of the sauce on top of the meatloaf, spreading out over the entire loaf with the back of a spoon or a silicone baking brush.
7. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
8. After 40 minutes, open the oven and put the second half of sauce on the meatloaf and return to the oven for an additional 45 minutes. The dish is finished when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
9. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes and then slice and serve.

Simple Meatloaf Recipe Variations:

1. Classic: Our family meatloaf recipe is a timeless classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little creative. Consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor and texture. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs to enhance the beef’s richness and tenderness.
2. Bacon-Wrapped: Take it to the next level by wrapping it in bacon slices before baking. The bacon adds a smoky, savory twist that complements the meatloaf’s flavors beautifully. Simply arrange bacon strips over the top of your meatloaf before placing it in the oven.
3. Glazed: For a sweet and tangy twist, try adding a glaze.. A combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce brushed over the meatloaf before baking will create a deliciously caramelized crust.
4. Cheesy: You can incorporate shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese into the meat mixture for a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite. Just mix the cheese into the ground meat along with the other ingredients.
5. Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can easily adapt our recipe by using ground turkey instead of beef. Turkey meatloaf is just as satisfying and delicious while being a healthier alternative.
6. Vegetarian: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can create a meatloaf-inspired dish using ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs. Season generously with herbs and spices to mimic the flavors of the traditional recipe.

Meatloaf Recipe Easy tips and tricks

Here are some tips that we recommend to ensure the best result:

• Use high-fat meat – use a ground beef that’s higher in fat. This will keep the meatloaf moist. If you opt for a lean ground beef, it will be drier.
• Don’t overmix – don’t handle the ground beef more than you have to. Mix the wet ingredients together (especially the egg and milk) and then add that to the ground beef mixture. This will ensure you don’t have to mix the meat as much and will result in a moist meatloaf.
• Add the glaze – this will help keep keep the moisture in the meatloaf.

Should this Simple Meatloaf be cooked covered or uncovered?

This recipe does not require the dish to be covered, but many recipes do suggest covering it with a piece of aluminum foil to help keep the meatloaf moist.

If you do cover the meatloaf, be sure to remove the foil at least 15 minutes before it’s completed baking. And, always check the internal temperature to make sure it’s cooked through.

What to pair with this Simple Meatloaf Recipe

There are tons of side dishes that pair perfectly with this classic recipe. Here are a few ideas:

• mashed potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• mac and cheese
• roasted potatoes
• peas
• brussel sprouts
• green beans
• glazed carrots
• broccoli
• broccoli salad
• biscuits or rolls

How to Store this Easy Recipe for Meatloaf:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze uncooked meatloaf, shape it into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Want More Comfort Food?

• Crack chicken soup
• Stuffed shells
• Ground beef stroganoff
• Chicken tetrazzini
• Spaghetti pie
• Hamburger casserole
• Tater tot casserole
• Tuna noodle casserole