If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty dinner that brings the whole family together, look no further than this Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze! Juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, this dish is a staple in many American households. Did you know that meatloaf has been around since the Roman Empire? It’s been evolving and winning hearts (and stomachs!) ever since. What makes this recipe special is its straightforward approach: using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. If you love classic comfort dishes like our Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’re in for a treat! So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s make some meatloaf magic happen!

What is Easy Meatloaf?

So, what’s the deal with meatloaf? Is it just ground meat in a loaf shape? Well, sort of! It’s a delightful blend of ground beef (or your favorite meat), breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings all mixed together and baked until perfectly moist. You might wonder why they call it “meatloaf.” Is there a secret underground meat loaf society? Just imagine folks saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – especially if it’s meatloaf!” Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or slather on ketchup, this dish is synonymous with comfort. Ready to dig in and find out why meatloaf has captured hearts for generations? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf

This Easy Meatloaf recipe isn’t just any old meatloaf; it’s a flavor-packed masterpiece! First off, the star of our dish is undoubtedly the glaze; a perfect blend of sweet and tangy that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, giving every bite an added zest that you’ll crave time and again. Secondly, making meatloaf at home is a total budget-saver compared to store-bought or dining out. You can whip this up using affordable ingredients, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank. Lastly, the recipe is super versatile! Feel free to play around with other toppings or add-ins like veggies for an extra punch. If you’re a fan of classic dishes like our Savory Shepherd’s Pie, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

How to Make Easy Meatloaf

Quick Overview

Making this Easy Meatloaf with the BEST Glaze is as simple as mixing, molding, and baking! This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers on taste and satisfaction. In just about 60 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Easy Meatloaf

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup milk

For the glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or a similar alternative)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread about half of this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Glaze Again: After 30 minutes of baking, take out the meatloaf, brush the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven for the remaining time.
7. Rest: Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.

What to Serve Easy Meatloaf With

A classic meatloaf deserves some equally comforting sides! Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it up with roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots for a well-rounded meal. And don’t forget the all-important dash of your favorite barbecue sauce on the side for dipping!

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Meatloaf

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing your meat mixture can lead to a dense meatloaf. Mix just until combined.
• Use Lean Meat: If you prefer a lower-fat option, ground turkey works beautifully, though it can be a bit dryer, so consider adding an extra splash of milk for moisture.
• Flavor Boosts: Feel free to sneak in chopped veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots into the mix for added nutrition and flavor.
• Test for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any uneaten meatloaf slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for a quick snack or meal.

There you have it! A delicious, straightforward Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze that you and your family will love. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe ticks all the boxes. So grab those ingredients and get cooking!

Easy Meatloaf

A comforting and flavorful meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.33 cup milk

For the glaze

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Or a similar alternative

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread about half of this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Baking

1. Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
2. After 30 minutes of baking, take out the meatloaf, brush the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven for the remaining time.

Resting

1. Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.

Notes

Store any uneaten meatloaf slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.