simple basic meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple basic meatloaf recipe

I’ve been making this simple basic meatloaf recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. I like to think that this recipe is a staple of American home cooking, and for good reason – it’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with nutrients.

The key to a great meatloaf is using high-quality ingredients, especially the meat itself. I prefer to use a combination of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.

The meatloaf gets its characteristic texture from the addition of breadcrumbs, which also help to bind the mixture together. As for the seasonings, I like to keep things simple with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.

This allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine through without overpowering them. Of course, you can always add your own favorite spices or herbs if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Simple Basic Meatloaf

4.8 from 1890 votes

A classic and comforting dish, this simple basic meatloaf recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and basic seasonings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4The mixture should be moist but not watery.
5Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even surface.
7This will help the meatloaf cook uniformly.
8In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
9Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
10This will give the meatloaf a sweet and tangy flavor.
11Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.
12The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F at the thickest part.
13You can check this with a meat thermometer.
14The top should be glossy and slightly caramelized from the glaze.
15Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
16This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
17Slice the meatloaf into 6 equal pieces and serve with your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more flavorful meatloaf, you can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mixture. Adding a layer of cheese on top of the glaze before baking can also enhance the flavor and add a nice gooey texture.

Watch Video Of How Simple Basic Meatloaf Works

This simple basic meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner option.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them in an air-tight container or freezer bag.

When reheating your leftovers after freezing them simply place them in an oven preheated at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Meatloaf

Q1: What type of meat should I use in my meatloaf?

In this recipe, I recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork for added flavor and texture. You can adjust the ratio of beef to pork to suit your taste preferences.

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