Classic Easy Meatloaf Recipe Ready in 1 Hour
Looking for a comforting, homemade dinner that’s quick and easy? This classic meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s ready in just one hour and uses simple ingredients like lean ground beef. It’s a satisfying comfort food meal that everyone will love.
The secret to its delicious taste is the tangy BBQ sauce glaze. It’s made with ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. This glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor. Whether it’s the main course or meatloaf sandwiches, it’s sure to be a hit.
Key Takeaways
- This classic meatloaf recipe is ready in just 1 hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, including lean ground beef, to create a juicy and flavorful comfort food dish.
- The tangy BBQ sauce glaze, featuring ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, adds a delicious sweet and savory element to the meatloaf.
- This meatloaf recipe can be served as the main course or used for meatloaf sandwiches.
- The easy meatloaf recipe is a budget-friendly dinner solution that the whole family will enjoy.
Why This Classic Meatloaf Recipe Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Meatloaf is a favorite in many families. This classic recipe will likely become a favorite in yours too. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal that won’t empty your wallet.
Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion
This meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It’s made with 2 pounds of 85% lean ground beef. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for warming you up.
The recipe makes about 12 servings. It’s great for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution
Feeding a family can be tough, but this meatloaf is a cost-effective solution. It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and breadcrumbs. Each serving has 367 calories and 22 grams of protein.
Quick and Simple Preparation
Making this meatloaf is easy. It only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time. You can have dinner ready in about an hour.
The recipe is simple. Just mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Then, let it bake while you do other things.
“This classic meatloaf recipe is a game-changer for busy families. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and affordability.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf
Making a tasty meatloaf begins with picking the right ingredients. It’s all about mixing juicy ground beef meatloaf with binding and seasoning elements. These add the best flavors to this classic dish.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For a tender and flavorful meatloaf, choose lean ground beef. Look for a fat content of 90-93%. This ensures the meatloaf stays moist and has the right texture.
Binding Ingredients and Seasonings
Breadcrumbs are key to holding the meatloaf together. The recipe uses 1 cup of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor and structure. Two eggs and a mix of seasonings like garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper also help bind it.
Secret Sauce Components
The secret sauce makes a meatloaf truly special. It’s a mix of ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. This sauce creates a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the flavor.
By choosing the right meatloaf ingredients and balancing flavors, you’ll make a meatloaf loved by all.
- Ingredients
- For the Optional Glaze/Topping:
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 tablespoons honey, or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup plain, dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced dried onions
- 1 1/2 teaspoons burger seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Easy Meatloaf Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a classic meatloaf is easy with this simple recipe. It takes just 1 hour to make, and it’s a meal everyone will enjoy. Here’s how to make this meatloaf cooking time quick and simple.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the simple meatloaf ingredients. Use ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, ketchup, and your favorite seasonings. Make sure everything is well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf. Place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Then, raise the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Put your favorite glaze on top of the meatloaf. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until it’s 160°F inside.
- Take the meatloaf out of the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked meatloaf. The mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings makes a tasty, comforting dish. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
| Ingredient | Occurrence Rate |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 100% |
| Breadcrumbs | 100% |
| Onion | 85% |
| Egg | 95% |
| Milk | 80% |
| Ketchup | 90% |
By following these steps and using the right simple meatloaf ingredients, you’ll make a delicious meatloaf. Your family will love it. Enjoy your homemade meatloaf masterpiece!
Tips for Making a Moist and Tender Meatloaf
Creating a moist and tender meatloaf is key to a great dish. Follow these simple tips to improve your meatloaf skills. You’ll impress everyone with a moist, tender, and flavorful meal.
Proper Meat-to-Breadcrumb Ratio
The secret to a moist meatloaf is the right mix of ingredients. Use 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This keeps the meatloaf moist and prevents it from becoming dry or dense.
Temperature Control Techniques
It’s important to bake your meatloaf at the right temperature. Bake it uncovered at 375°F for quick browning. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil to avoid overcooking. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
Resting Time Importance
Don’t slice into your meatloaf right away. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to spread evenly, making the meatloaf moist and tender.
For extra flavor and moisture, sauté or grate the onions before adding them. These methods can make your meatloaf even better.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.85 out of 5 from 70 ratings |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories per serving | 372kcal |
| Carbohydrates per serving | 22g |
| Protein per serving | 27g |
| Fat per serving | 17g |
| Saturated Fat per serving | 6g |
| Cholesterol per serving | 120mg |
| Sodium per serving | 471mg |
| Potassium per serving | 522mg |
| Fiber per serving | 1g |
| Sugar per serving | 11g |
| Vitamin A per serving | 90IU |
| Vitamin C per serving | 3mg |
| Calcium per serving | 71mg |
| Iron per serving | 4mg |
The Perfect Meatloaf Glaze Recipe
When it comes to homemade meatloaf recipes, the glaze is key. It makes the dish stand out. The secret is finding the right mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.
This glaze recipe is easy to make. It’s made with ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Together, they create a flavor that complements the meatloaf perfectly.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- For an added twist, you can substitute the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce or create a blend of ketchup and BBQ sauce for a unique flavor profile.
The secret to a great meatloaf glaze is finding the right balance. This recipe does just that. It will make your homemade meatloaf recipes and classic meatloaf a hit with your family.
“This meatloaf glaze recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.” – Sarah, Avid Home Cook
With just a few ingredients and quick steps, you can take your homemade meatloaf recipes and classic meatloaf to the next level. Try this glaze and see the difference it makes in your meatloaf.
Free-Form vs. Loaf Pan: Which Method Is Better
When cooking meatloaf, you can choose between baking it free-form on a sheet or in a loaf pan. Each method has its own benefits. Your choice depends on what you like and the recipe you’re using.
Benefits of Free-Form Baking
Baking meatloaf free-form on a sheet has several advantages. It cooks faster and more evenly. The fat drains off, making the outside crispy and the inside tender. Plus, it looks great on the plate.
Pan-Baking Considerations
Using a loaf pan might take a bit longer to cook. Make sure to check the meatloaf’s internal temperature with a thermometer. It should be 160°F. This method makes the meatloaf more uniform and classic-looking.
Choosing between free-form and loaf pan baking depends on your taste and the recipe. Try both to see which your family likes best.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Preparing the classic easy meatloaf recipe ahead of time can be a game-changer. It’s perfect for busy families who love home-cooked meals. This recipe offers great make-ahead and storage tips.
Make the meatloaf mixture and glaze early, then chill it until baking time. This way, you can start cooking ahead and have a tasty easy meatloaf ready when you need it.
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatloaf for 2-3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic or foil. Then, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This makes it easy to have a family meal idea ready whenever you want.
Leftover cooked meatloaf can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s great for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat the slices in the oven or microwave for a tasty meal.
Using these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy the easy meatloaf recipe whenever you like. It ensures that delicious family meal ideas are always available.
Delicious Side Dish Pairings
Choosing the right side dishes can make a classic comfort food dinner like meatloaf even better. Whether you go for traditional favorites or modern twists, there are many tasty options. These can turn your meatloaf dinner into a memorable feast for the whole family.
Traditional Accompaniments
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, rich scalloped potatoes, or steamed vegetables are perfect with meatloaf. They offer a comforting match that everyone loves.
Modern Side Dish Ideas
For something new, try roasted vegetables, a zesty quinoa salad, or crispy sweet potato fries. These modern sides add a fresh twist to the traditional meatloaf.
Adding a crisp, green salad to your meal balances it out. It makes the dinner complete and satisfying for everyone.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded Mashed Potatoes | 30 Minutes | 307 calories, 16g fat, 9g saturated fat, 39mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 2g sugars, 3g fiber, 11g protein |
| Roasted Green Beans | 25 Minutes | 76 calories, 5g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0 cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 8g carbohydrates, 3g sugars, 3g fiber, 3g protein |
| Homemade Rolls | 20 Minutes | 120 calories, 1g fat, 1mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 24g carbohydrates, 3g protein |
Conclusion
This classic easy meatloaf recipe is a great choice for family dinners. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. You can try different sides to make it even better.
Looking for a comforting meal? This meatloaf recipe is perfect. It’s made with ground beef, binding ingredients, and spices. It’s moist and tender, loved by all.
Add this easy meatloaf recipe to your dinner list. It’s loved by everyone and makes meals special. It’s a great way to bring your family together for a delicious meal.
FAQ
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Should I bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet?
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Source Links
- Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe – https://iwashyoudry.com/best-classic-meatloaf-recipe/
- Classic Meatloaf Recipe (Steps + Video!) | How To Cook.Recipes – https://www.howtocook.recipes/matts-classic-meatloaf-recipe/
- Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Downshiftology – https://downshiftology.com/recipes/meatloaf/
- Country Style Meatloaf Recipe – https://www.billyparisi.com/country-style-meatloaf-recipe/
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