Easy Meatloaf

Name: Easy Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

By:

Luna

November 21, 2025

Delicious homemade easy meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Spread the love

Easy Meatloaf

Many evenings, the kitchen fills with the unmistakable aroma of Easy Meatloaf, stirring up memories of family dinners. The sizzle of ground beef combines with the sweetness of brown sugar and ketchup, creating a symphony of flavors that feels like home.

Growing up, meatloaf stood as a comforting staple in our household. My parents often prepared it on busy weeknights when time was short but the desire for a hot, satisfying meal was strong. I still remember the laughter shared around the table, talking about school or weekend plans, all while savoring delicious, savory slices of meatloaf.

⚡ Smart Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Swears By

Alpha Grillers Thermometer

Instant-read accuracy
Backlit display for night grilling
Waterproof & ultra-fast probe

🛒 Shop Now

Chefman Digital Air Fryer

17 smart cooking presets
XL 10L family capacity
Roast, bake, fry & dehydrate

🛒 Shop Now

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Set

3 sizes for every recipe
Pre-seasoned & durable cast iron
Oven & grill ready

🛒 Shop Now

Even now, preparing this dish brings back those moments of warmth and togetherness. Easy Meatloaf has become a recipe I cherish, one that encapsulates joy in the kitchen. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a wholesome meal, ready to bring families together.

Creating this dish feels special every time, allowing the opportunity to experiment with flavors and techniques, while celebrating a beloved classic. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, Easy Meatloaf is a culinary hug.

What is Easy Meatloaf?

Fundamentals

Easy Meatloaf is a classic dish that marries simplicity with deliciousness. It typically features ground beef combined with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, forming a hearty loaf baked to perfection. The sweet and tangy glaze on top brings an irresistible flavor, making it a go-to option for many dinner tables.

This dish has deep roots in American cuisine, a beloved comfort food for many families. The mix of ingredients cradles myriad flavors that come together harmoniously. Garlic powder, onion, and pepper enhance the ground beef, while the egg provides the perfect binding agent, ensuring a tender texture.

A meatloaf recipe often varies with individual preferences, where spices and other ingredients can change the dish’s character. Nevertheless, the core essence remains the same—a satisfying meal that evokes memories and comfort.

Preparation/setup

Preparation for Easy Meatloaf is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, and other essentials. This preparation gets you organized and helps the cooking process go smoothly.

Next, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your meatloaf bakes evenly, creating the perfect crust and moist interior. As you begin mixing the ingredients, take a moment to enjoy the process—cooking should feel good and satisfying.

Once the oven is warmed up, you’ll assemble your mixture in a large bowl. This part is crucial as it sets the stage for your Easy Meatloaf. Combining all the ingredients creates a cohesive loaf that bakes beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients

The simplicity of Easy Meatloaf shines through its ingredient list. You will need:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

These ingredients are accessible and often already in the pantry, making this recipe even more appealing. Each ingredient plays a vital role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the meatloaf.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar and spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the topping is caramelized.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Easy Meatloaf

🥗 Fresh, Fast & Foolproof — Upgrades You'll Use Tonight

Brieftons 10-Blade Spiralizer

Zoodles in seconds
Heavy-duty, 10 sharp blades
Keto, paleo & gluten-free friendly

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1

Meals in ~30 minutes
3-Qt — perfect for 1–3 people
Pressure cook, sauté, steam & more

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

ThermoMaven Smart Bluetooth Cooking Thermometer

ThermoMaven Smart Thermometer

Phone alerts & live temp graph
Hands-off monitoring for smokers
Perfect doneness, every time

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

Enhancing Flavor in Easy Meatloaf

Technique

Enhancing the flavor of Easy Meatloaf requires attention to detail during preparation. While the recipe is simple, small tweaks can elevate the dish. For example, consider incorporating freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for an added layer of flavor.

Another technique involves adjusting the moisture level. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavors, resulting in a richer taste. Experimenting with different spices allows for personalization and creativity in the kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to try different binder ingredients to change the texture. Using oats instead of breadcrumbs can add a wholesome element without compromising flavor.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your Easy Meatloaf comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. First, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. While you want everything well combined, excessive mixing can lead to a dense loaf. Lightly blending the ingredients guarantees a tender, flavorful final product.

Next, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety. This approach takes the guesswork out of cooking and often results in a better meatloaf.

Also, let the meatloaf rest after baking. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist slices. Waiting a few moments is worth it when you slice into a perfectly tender and flavorful meatloaf.

Perfecting Your Easy Meatloaf

Perfecting results

Perfecting Easy Meatloaf revolves around practice and experimentation. Each oven varies, so keep an eye on browning. Adjusting baking time slightly can make a noteworthy difference, depending on your desired doneness and texture.

Pairing the meatloaf with side dishes also enhances results. Classic accompaniments include mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, which complement the meatloaf beautifully. Mixing and matching side options allows for variety, keeping family dinners exciting.

Additionally, do not shy away from using leftovers. Cold slices of meatloaf can become delicious sandwiches or salads, offering versatile meal options.

Troubleshooting/variations

Sometimes, meatloaf can run into issues, such as crumbling or becoming too dry. To prevent crumbling, ensure the mixture holds together. If needed, add a bit more ketchup to help bind it.

If the meatloaf turns out dry, consider lowering the baking temperature next time or increasing the moisture level with additional milk or diced vegetables. Many variations exist within the realm of meatloaf, including using mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and moisture.

For a unique twist, try experimenting with different protein sources. Ground turkey or chicken can provide a lighter option while still achieving savory satisfaction.

Serving and Storing Easy Meatloaf

Serving/presentation

Serving Easy Meatloaf offers a chance to showcase culinary creativity. Garnish the top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal. Slice the meatloaf neatly to show off its texture before placing it on plates.

Consider serving alongside colorful vegetables or a fresh salad, adding brightness to your meal. Presentation can elevate the dining experience, transforming simple home-cooked food into something special and inviting.

Pairings/storage

Pair Easy Meatloaf with comforting sides. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables create a well-rounded plate. A simple salad adds freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the meatloaf.

Storing leftovers is also a breeze. Keep any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, freezing portions allows for a quick meal option later. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a satisfying meal that tastes just as good as the first time around.

Conclusion

Cooking Easy Meatloaf becomes a delightful experience filled with nostalgia and comfort. The blend of flavors and textures creates a family favorite that brings loved ones together. Each step in preparing this dish builds anticipation, from assembling the ingredients to savoring the final product.

Remember, the joy of cooking lies in experimenting and adapting to create your version of this classic dish. Easy Meatloaf stands as a reminder that great food does not require complexity, just genuine love for cooking and flavors that resonate with heartfelt memories.

Easy Meatloaf

Author: emily
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and classic dish that combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a sweet glaze, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar and spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the topping is caramelized.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.