Classic Easy Meatloaf with Few Ingredients
A simple and delicious meatloaf recipe that comes together quickly with just a few staple ingredients, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Equipment
- Baking dish or baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, but recommended
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Ketchup Glaze
- 0.5 cup ketchup divided
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish or sheet.
- Whisk the egg with milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Stir in breadcrumbs and let sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb.
- Gently mix in the ground beef until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
Baking
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf in the prepared dish.
- Mix 1/3 cup ketchup with a splash of water or Worcestershire sauce and spread two-thirds over the loaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove, spread remaining glaze, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Resting
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for juicy slices.