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Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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3.9 from 71 reviews

This easy meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with flavorful seasonings and a tangy ketchup glaze, resulting in a juicy, tender classic comfort food perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meatloaf

  • 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

  1. Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Soak Breadcrumbs In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a minute so they soften, keeping the meatloaf tender.
  3. Mix Ingredients 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.
  4. Combine Using clean hands, gently mix until everything is just combined. Avoid overworking to keep the loaf light.
  5. Form Loaf 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.
  6. Baking Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden.
  7. Rest Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or gluten-free crumbs if needed.
  • Dairy-free milk works fine as a substitute for milk.
  • Use a flax egg as a vegan-friendly binder if desired.
  • Swap half the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
  • Tamari is a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free option.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/easy-meatloaf-recipe/