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Easy Meatloaf

A comforting and easy meatloaf recipe that brings warmth to your home, perfect for weeknights and celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (or half beef and half turkey) Choose 85 percent lean for juiciness.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for airier texture or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option.
  • 0.5 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk) Keeps the meatloaf tender.
  • 1 large egg, beaten Binds everything together.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Brings sweet, savory depth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic backbone.
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast Adds cheesy savor without heavy dairy.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Umami boost.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup ketchup Plus additional ingredients for the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a minute until softened.
  3. Add the beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Parmesan or nutritional yeast, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Add the ground meat and use your hands to fold the ingredients together until uniform — avoid overworking so the meatloaf stays tender.
  5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared sheet or into the pan. Pat the top gently and create a slight indentation to keep the glaze from sliding off.
Baking
  1. Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, then brush half over the top of the loaf.
  2. Bake for 35 minutes, pull the loaf out, brush with the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for 15 to 25 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  3. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this step keeps juices locked in.

Notes

Feel free to personalize the seasonings and add-ins to honor your own family traditions. For a richer flavor, swap in ground pork or lamb. Make mini meatloaves in muffin tins for easy portioning and faster cook time.