This easy meatloaf recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It features a tender and juicy texture, complemented by a delightful sweet glaze that elevates the flavor. You can easily customize the meatloaf with various ingredients, making it suitable for many occasions. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or using leftovers in sandwiches, this meatloaf recipe will surely become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a fast option for busy nights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap beef for turkey or add your favorite vegetables to customize the flavor.
- Delicious Glaze: The ketchup and brown sugar topping adds a mouthwatering sweetness that everyone will enjoy.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the meatloaf as a main dish or use it in sandwiches the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy meatloaf recipe, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling, ensuring even distribution.
- Loaf pan or baking sheet: This helps shape your meatloaf perfectly and makes transferring to the oven easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters in cooking; these tools ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Meat thermometer: Using a thermometer guarantees your meatloaf is cooked to perfection, ensuring safety and taste.
Ingredients
This easy meatloaf recipe is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet glaze. Simple to make and ready in less than an hour!
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds 80%-90% ground beef, or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup beef broth, or milk
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2-3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Glaze
- 2/3 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce, could mix half and half
- 2-3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
How to Make Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or a 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, broth, whisked eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can affect tenderness.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Press the mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on your lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine ketchup (or BBQ sauce) with light brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the top of your formed meatloaf. Add extra black pepper on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for about 45 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 160°F at its center. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into servings.
With this simple yet delicious meatloaf recipe, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time!
How to Serve Meatloaf Recipe
Serving meatloaf can be a delightful experience with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal and impress your guests.
Classic Comfort
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with meatloaf, soaking up the savory juices.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn brings a summer feel to your meal, balancing the hearty flavors of the meatloaf.
Creative Twists
- Meatloaf Sandwich: Slice leftover meatloaf and serve it in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of ketchup for a tasty lunch option.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use leftover meatloaf filling to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender for an exciting twist.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy dressing complements the rich flavors of meatloaf, adding brightness to your dish.
How to Perfect Meatloaf Recipe
To achieve the best results with your meatloaf recipe, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavoring: Ensure you season well with salt and spices; this enhances the overall taste of the meat.
- Do Not Overmix: Gently combine your ingredients to keep the loaf tender; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs rather than dried ones for brighter flavors that elevate your dish.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking; this helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your meatloaf can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds sweetness and nutrition alongside the meatloaf.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and refreshing taste contrast to rich meatloaf.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives are a hearty addition that pairs well with meatloaf.
- Cauliflower Mash: A light alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash offers creaminess without extra carbs.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and fiber, making it a nutritious side choice for balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your meatloaf recipe even better. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can lead to a dense meatloaf. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a tender result.
- Skipping the rest period: Cutting into the meatloaf right after baking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for 10 minutes for better flavor and texture.
- Not using a thermometer: Relying solely on cooking time can be misleading. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Ignoring the toppings: Skipping the glaze can leave your meatloaf bland. Adding ketchup or BBQ sauce enhances flavor and presentation.
- Using lean meat only: While healthy, very lean meats may dry out during cooking. Aim for ground beef between 80% to 90% fat for balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Meatloaf Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Meatloaf Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals of 1 minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to retain moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to this meatloaf recipe that might help you.
What is the best meatloaf recipe?
The best meatloaf recipe includes a mix of flavorful ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices. This ensures a juicy and delicious dish every time.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in my meatloaf recipe?
Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. Just be mindful of moisture levels as turkey tends to be leaner.
How long should I bake my meatloaf recipe?
Bake your meatloaf at 375°F for approximately 45 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I customize my meatloaf recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or change up the spices based on your taste preferences for added flavor.
What should I serve with my meatloaf recipe?
Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This easy meatloaf recipe offers both comfort and versatility. With its tender texture and sweet glaze, it appeals to many tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dish!
Easy Meatloaf
This easy meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With a tender, juicy texture and a delightful sweet glaze made from ketchup and brown sugar, this dish is sure to elevate your dining experience. It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours. Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes or enjoyed as a leftover sandwich the next day, this meatloaf will quickly become a household favorite.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup beef broth (or milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2/3 cup ketchup (or BBQ sauce)
- 2–3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2–3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with foil and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, broth, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just mixed.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
- For the glaze, mix ketchup (or BBQ sauce) with light brown sugar and pour over the meatloaf.
- Bake for about 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg