Why You’ll Love Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a week of cozy leftovers, this Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze is going to become your new favorite. Why? It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and that glaze? Oh, it’s sweet, tangy, and irresistibly sticky in the best way possible.
Pure Comfort
There’s something deeply nostalgic about meatloaf. It’s a dish that’s been lovingly passed through generations. This version pays homage to the classic while kicking it up a notch with bold seasoning and the perfect ketchup-based glaze. It’s comfort food done right and done easily.
Ingredients for Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful loaf to life:
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (80/20 for moisture)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (or a great milk substitute in meatloaf if you’re dairy-free!)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
What You Need
Not a lot of fancy tools here just some kitchen basics:
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (or a baking sheet lined with foil)
- Oven
- Whisk or spoon for mixing the glaze
Time to Cook Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Total time? About 1 hour, start to finish:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Rest time: 5 minutes
Steps to Make Easy Meatloaf Recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté your onions and garlic (optional but worth it) – some cooks like to soften them first for better flavor and texture. See more on that in this guide on cooking onions for meatloaf.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and onion/garlic mixture.
- Mix gently don’t overwork it or the loaf may turn out tough.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a pan or on a lined sheet.
- Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Spread half over the top of the loaf before baking.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, then apply remaining glaze.
- Return to oven for 5-10 minutes more, or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve!
Make Easy Meatloaf Recipe Perfect
To ensure a juicy loaf every time:
- Use ground beef with some fat (80/20 is ideal).
- Let it rest before slicing, so the juices redistribute.
- Don’t pack the loaf too tight airy = tender.
Mix Easy Meatloaf Recipe Up
There’s no one right way to make meatloaf. Here are some delicious spins:
- Try a Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf variation just swap breadcrumbs with seasoned stuffing mix!
- Spice lovers, don’t miss the bold Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf with Ranch Drizzle.
- Go retro with The Best Meatloaf Recipe with Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
Perfect Partners
Meatloaf is begging for hearty sides. Try:
- Mashed potatoes and green beans
- Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Classic mac and cheese
- A crisp garden salad for balance
Busy Day Hero
This recipe works hard for you:
- Preps in minutes
- Cooks hands-free
- Makes fantastic leftovers
- Feeds a crowd affordably
Work Ahead
Want to meal prep? You can:
- Make the loaf a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and bake the next day.
- Or freeze an uncooked loaf (without glaze) for later!
Save Some For Later
This meatloaf keeps beautifully:
- Fridge: Store slices for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Freeze in individual slices for easy reheating.
Everyone’s Happy
Kids love it. Picky eaters? Just tweak the glaze to their taste. Want to wow dinner guests? Serve this with homemade mashed potatoes and they’ll think you worked for hours.
Good For You Too
While meatloaf is indulgent, you can make it lighter by:
- Swapping in leaner ground turkey
- Using oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs
- Reducing the glaze sugar or using a sugar-free ketchup
Easy Clean Up
Line your baking pan with foil or parchment paper. Mix ingredients in one bowl. Done and dusted—no mountain of dishes to tackle after dinner.
Switch Easy Meatloaf Recipe Up
Go wild with fillings and toppings:
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside
- Mix in mushrooms or zucchini for moisture and nutrition
- Glaze with BBQ sauce or sriracha for a kick
- Use a muffin tin for mini meatloaves that bake in 20 minutes!
Simply Perfect
The magic of this dish lies in its balance: savory meat, just the right seasoning, and a tangy-sweet glaze. It’s comfort food that never fails and with the ability to adapt endlessly, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to week after week.
FAQs for Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Q1: Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
Q2: What can I use instead of milk?
Try broth, almond milk, or even plain yogurt. Or check this milk substitute guide for meatloaf.
Q3: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but split it into two loaves for even cooking.
Q4: What’s the secret to a moist meatloaf?
Fat content in the beef, proper binding (egg + breadcrumbs), and don’t overmix.
Q5: Is it better to bake in a pan or on a sheet?
Either works! On a sheet gives more caramelized edges.
Q6: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Form the loaf and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.
Conclusion for Easy Meatloaf Recipe
This Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze is your weeknight hero, your Sunday dinner star, your “I need comfort food” champion. With pantry staples, quick prep, and a flavor punch that delivers every time, it’s no wonder this dish is a forever favorite.
Craving more meatloaf magic? Explore flavorful twists like the Lipton Onion Soup version or go bold with a Jalapeño Popper Meatloaf. Happy cooking and even happier eating! 🍽️
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. The tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully over the meat, delivering the ultimate savory-sweet finish. Simple ingredients, foolproof steps, and guaranteed smiles at the dinner table.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20), 1 large egg, 1 cup milk (or substitute), 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
For the glaze: ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into a loaf pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to create the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, brush the remaining glaze on top, and bake for another 5–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To boost flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before mixing. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version. For variety, try adding shredded cheese or swapping in BBQ sauce for the glaze. Leftovers store beautifully and are even better the next day. Freeze cooked slices individually for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Easy Meatloaf Recipe, Best Meatloaf Glaze, Classic Meatloaf, Weeknight Dinner