There is nothing quite like a classic meatloaf to bring the family together for a comforting dinner. This isn’t just any recipe; this is truly the **easiest meatloaf recipe** you will ever make. It is simple to prepare, uses basic ingredients, and comes out perfectly moist and flavorful every time. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and full.
This **meatloaf recipe easy** is a game-changer. It takes the stress out of making a homemade dinner without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. The key to a great meatloaf is keeping it moist, and my secret ingredient—milk-soaked bread—ensures that the meatloaf stays incredibly tender from the first slice to the last. This is the **easy meatloaf recipe** that my family asks for again and again. You will love how simple and satisfying this dinner is. It’s one of the best **easy meatloaf recipes** out there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires minimal prep and hands-on time.
- The meatloaf is incredibly moist and never dry.
- Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Perfect for a no-fuss, delicious weeknight meal.
- The sweet and savory glaze takes it to the next level.
If you’ve ever wondered **how to make meatloaf easy recipe**, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through every step to ensure you get a delicious result every time. The process is straightforward, and the result is a beautiful, classic meatloaf with a perfectly seasoned, tender interior and a glossy, sweet glaze. This is the ultimate comfort food. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is perfect for new cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
My version of this **easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients** is designed to be as simple as possible. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a memorable dinner. All you need is some ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a little bit of time. It’s a fantastic, low-effort meal that delivers high-impact flavor. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is a great way to get a delicious dinner on the table without any hassle. For a great healthy complement, check out our powerful Elderberry Syrup. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from The New York Times Cooking. You will love how simple and easy this **meatloaf recipe easy** is.
You can also use this recipe as a base for an **easy turkey meatloaf recipe**. Simply swap out the ground beef for ground turkey and follow the same instructions. The turkey version is just as delicious and a great way to change up the flavor. Both versions are fantastic. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is incredibly versatile. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is a true lifesaver.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this **easy meatloaf recipe** are simple and likely already in your kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients creates a rich and flavorful meatloaf that everyone will enjoy. You will love how a few simple ingredients can create such a delicious meal. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand.
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85/15 is best)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 slices of bread, torn into small pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
Making a great **easy meatloaf recipe** is a simple process. The steps are easy to follow and will lead to a perfect, moist result every time. You will be amazed at how a few simple steps can create such a rich and delicious meal. Follow these steps for the perfect **easy meatloaf recipe**.
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Soak the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the milk and torn bread pieces. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, until the bread is soft and mushy.
- Mix the Meatloaf: Add the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the soaked bread. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form the Meatloaf: On the prepared baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, about 9×5 inches.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is the key to a perfect **easy meatloaf recipe** that is moist and delicious.
Pro Tips
Don’t skip the step of soaking the bread. This is the secret to a moist and tender meatloaf. It adds moisture to the loaf without making it too dense. This is the number one tip for this **easy meatloaf recipe**.
For even more flavor, you can sauté the chopped onion in a bit of butter before adding it to the meat mixture. This will bring out its natural sweetness. This is a great tip for a perfect **meatloaf recipe easy**.
Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows the heat to circulate around the meatloaf, giving it a more even cook and a better crust. It also makes for a beautiful presentation. This is the best way to cook this **easy meatloaf recipe**.
Ingredient Substitutions
As mentioned, you can easily use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for this **easy meatloaf recipe**. The results will still be delicious and moist. This **easy meatloaf recipe** is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your liking.
If you don’t have fresh bread, you can use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. You will need to soak them in the milk as well. The result will still be a delicious and moist **easy meatloaf recipe**.
You can use different seasonings to change the flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a different taste. This is a great way to customize your **easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients**.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic **easy meatloaf recipe** with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and some roasted green beans. The mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices. This is a classic dinner that everyone loves.
Leftover meatloaf makes for a fantastic sandwich the next day. Simply slice the cold meatloaf and serve it on bread with a little bit of mayo or ketchup. It is the perfect lunch.
You can also serve this meatloaf with a side of mac and cheese or a simple green salad. It is a very versatile dish that goes with many different sides. This is a great **easy meatloaf recipe** for a family dinner.
FAQs About Easy Meatloaf
how to make meatloaf easy recipe
To make an **easy meatloaf recipe**, you will first soak bread in milk. Then, you will mix this with ground beef, egg, and seasonings. You will shape the mixture into a loaf, top it with a simple glaze, and bake it until it is cooked through. This is the easiest way to make a great **meatloaf recipe easy**.
how to cook meatloaf
To cook meatloaf, you should bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking will ensure that it is moist and delicious. This is a simple and effective way to cook this **easy meatloaf recipe**.
how long to cook meatloaf
You should cook meatloaf for 55-65 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The total cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the loaf. The best way to know if your meatloaf is done is to check its internal temperature, which should be 160°F (71°C). This is a simple and easy way to cook this **easy meatloaf recipe**.
what temp to bake meatloaf
You should bake meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-65 minutes. This temperature is low enough to cook the meatloaf evenly all the way through without drying it out. The result is a perfect, moist, and delicious meatloaf every time. This is a great temperature for a delicious **easy meatloaf recipe**.
how long to cook a 2 lb meatloaf
For a 2 lb meatloaf, you should cook it for about 60-70 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The best way to be sure that it is cooked is to check the internal temperature, which should be 160°F (71°C). This is a great **easy meatloaf recipe** to make at home.
Conclusion
This **easy meatloaf recipe** is the perfect solution for a delicious, comforting, and simple dinner. With its tender texture and a savory-sweet glaze, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. You will love how easy this **easy meatloaf recipe** is. Enjoy every single bite of this amazing **easy meatloaf recipe**.