simple homemade meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple homemade meatloaf recipe

I’ve been making this simple homemade meatloaf recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even for holidays. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The meatloaf itself is moist and flavorful, with just the right balance of seasonings.

I like to serve it with a side of ketchup or a tangy BBQ sauce. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies – I like to add finely chopped onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the mix for added nutrition.

Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a batch and store it for future meals. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

Simple Homemade Meatloaf

4.8 from 722 votes

A classic comfort food, this simple homemade meatloaf is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Ground beef and vegetables are mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time75 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1 lb ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup milk

For the Glaze

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped carrot, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
6Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the dish.
7In a separate small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the glaze.
8Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
9Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.
10The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
11Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
12This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

This simple homemade meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to make ahead of time, freezes beautifully, and reheats perfectly.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the ground beef or turkey. You can serve it on its own or with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even macaroni and cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf

Q: What is the origin of meatloaf?

Meatloaf is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and Rome, where cooks would mix ground meat with spices and herbs before forming it into patties or loaves.

Q: How do you keep meatloaf moist?

The key to keeping meatloaf moist is to not overmix the ingredients and to add moisture-rich ingredients like eggs, milk, or breadcrumbs.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute for beef in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meatloaf?

You can reheat leftover meatloaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and baking it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Q: Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it.

Q: How do I store leftover meatloaf?

You can store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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