Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe – Juicy & High-Protein Dinner
Discover the ultimate Easy Meatloaf recipe on www.dailymeatrecipe.com – a homemade comfort food classic that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. This simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a slice of homemade Easy Meatloaf fresh from the oven. This classic American dish has stood the test of time for good reason – it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to prepare. Our Easy Meatloaf recipe strikes the perfect balance between juicy tenderness and rich flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option when you need something dependable yet delicious. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or seasoned food enthusiasts, this Easy Meatloaf recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of quality ground meat and savory seasonings creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 2 pounds | For best results, use freshly ground meat |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Bell pepper | 1 small | Finely diced (red or green) |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Plain or Italian-style |
| Milk | 1/3 cup | Whole milk works best |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup | Divided (1/4 cup for mixture, 1/4 cup for glaze) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons | Adds umami depth |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | For tangy flavor |
| Dried herbs | 2 teaspoons | Combination of thyme, oregano, and basil |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | For the glaze |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon | For the glaze |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Serving Size | 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of loaf) |
Preparation Instructions
Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare your vegetables: Finely dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. The fine dice ensures these ingredients blend seamlessly into your Easy Meatloaf.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This pre-cooking step is crucial for the best Easy Meatloaf as it eliminates any raw onion flavor.
- Create your binder: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the breadcrumbs, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add meat and vegetables: Add the ground beef and sautéed vegetables to the bowl. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can make your Easy Meatloaf tough.
Shaping and Baking
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. If using a loaf pan, simply press the mixture into the pan.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup with the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
- Apply the glaze: Brush the glaze evenly over the top and sides of your Easy Meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C).
- Rest before serving: Allow your Easy Meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice of your Easy Meatloaf is moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly cooked Easy Meatloaf deserves equally delicious side dishes to create a memorable meal. Here are some excellent pairings:
- Classic comfort sides: Creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans make the perfect traditional accompaniment to this Easy Meatloaf recipe.
- Lighter options: For a healthier meal, serve your Easy Meatloaf with a crisp garden salad and roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
- Starch alternatives: Instead of potatoes, try serving your Easy Meatloaf with buttered egg noodles, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious meat juices.
- Make-ahead meal: This Easy Meatloaf recipe makes excellent leftovers! Slice the cold meatloaf for sandwiches the next day, or crumble it into pasta sauce for a quick Bolognese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently and mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough Easy Meatloaf.
- Test for seasoning: Before shaping your Easy Meatloaf, you can test the seasoning by cooking a small patty of the mixture in a pan and tasting it. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your Easy Meatloaf is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Free-form loaf: For a meatloaf with more caramelized exterior, shape it free-form on a baking sheet rather than using a loaf pan. This allows the Easy Meatloaf to develop more of that delicious outer crust.
- Let it rest: Allowing your Easy Meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial for a juicy result. This gives the meat time to reabsorb its juices.
- Glaze in stages: For an extra-flavorful glaze, apply half of it halfway through cooking and the remainder during the last 15 minutes of baking. This creates a richer, more complex flavor for your Easy Meatloaf.
Delicious Variations
The beauty of this Easy Meatloaf recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative variations to try:
Meat Combinations
- Meatloaf medley: Replace half the beef with ground pork for a richer flavor profile.
- Leaner option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this Easy Meatloaf recipe.
Flavor Enhancements
- Italian-style: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and substitute Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Southwestern: Incorporate 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 cup corn kernels to your Easy Meatloaf mixture.
- Smoky BBQ: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in both the mixture and glaze, and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Stuffed Meatloaf
- Cheese-stuffed: Create a tunnel in the center of your Easy Meatloaf and fill it with shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.
- Vegetable-stuffed: Fill the center with sautéed spinach and mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in your Easy Meatloaf.
- Low-carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly Easy Meatloaf option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
The most common reason for crumbly Easy Meatloaf is insufficient binding ingredients. Make sure you’re using enough eggs and breadcrumbs, and don’t skimp on the milk which helps hydrate the breadcrumbs to create a stronger bind.
Can I make this Easy Meatloaf recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Easy Meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it uncooked. You can also fully cook the meatloaf, refrigerate it, and reheat it when needed. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
How do I store leftover meatloaf?
Store cooled Easy Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat meatloaf?
For best results, reheat Easy Meatloaf slices in a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave at 50% power, covered with a damp paper towel.
Can I cook this Easy Meatloaf recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Shape your Easy Meatloaf to fit your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, cooked rice, or even crumbled cornbread in your Easy Meatloaf recipe.
Conclusion
This Easy Meatloaf recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular comfort food classic that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its juicy texture, savory flavor, and straightforward preparation, it’s no wonder Easy Meatloaf remains a beloved staple in American cooking. Whether you follow our classic recipe or experiment with one of the suggested variations, you’re sure to create a memorable meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
We’d love to hear how your Easy Meatloaf turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your results, ask questions, or discover more delicious meat-based recipes for your weekly meal rotation. For the perfect weekend cooking project, check out our related recipes for homemade gravy, the best mashed potatoes, or our guide to perfect roasting techniques. Happy cooking!
