Why Make This Recipe
Easy Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that many people love. It’s simple to prepare, delicious, and a great way to feed the family. You can also make it ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, meatloaf is a dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
How to Make Easy Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar, then spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Easy Meatloaf
Serve Easy Meatloaf hot, sliced into thick pieces. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with extra ketchup on the side for dipping.
How to Store Easy Meatloaf
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Meatloaf can last for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Meatloaf
- Make sure not to overmix the ingredients. This can make the meatloaf tough.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- If you like spicy food, add some hot sauce to the mix.
- You can use different types of meat, such as turkey or pork, for a different flavor.
Variation
Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different sauces, like barbecue sauce, instead of ketchup on top.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
2. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, it should be firm and no longer pink in the center.
Easy Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food that’s simple to prepare, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar, then spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
