There’s just something so comforting about a warm slice of meatloaf, isn’t there? It takes me straight back to family dinners, where the smell of savory goodness fills the kitchen and everyone gathers around the table. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry! This simple meatloaf recipe is perfect for beginners and will have you feeling like a pro in no time. Trust me, once you master this classic dish, you’ll want to explore all sorts of meatloaf recipes to make it your own. It’s easy, delicious, and has that cozy, home-cooked vibe that makes every meal feel special. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this tasty adventure!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious meatloaf recipe. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients on hand!

• 1 pound ground beef – go for lean if you want a healthier option!
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – they help bind everything together and give that lovely texture.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion – adds a sweet, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
• 1/2 cup milk – keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
• 1/4 cup ketchup – because, let’s be honest, it’s a must for that classic taste!
• 1 egg – this helps hold everything together.
• 1 teaspoon salt – don’t skip this; it really brings out the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – just the right amount of kick!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that extra layer of flavor.

Make sure to measure everything out before you start; it makes the process a breeze! Ready? Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your meatloaf cook evenly. While it’s warming up, you can focus on mixing your ingredients. So, don’t skip this step!

Mix the Ingredients

Now, grab a large bowl and toss in that ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together, but here’s the trick: don’t overmix! Just combine until everything is nicely blended but still a bit chunky. This helps keep your meatloaf tender, so take it easy! You want that perfect texture, which means a gentle touch here.

Shape and Bake

Time to shape your meatloaf! Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and mold it into a loaf shape. Doesn’t have to be perfect—just aim for a nice, even thickness. For a little extra flavor, spread a thin layer of ketchup on top. Now, pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. To be sure it’s cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut a little slice to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Let it Rest

Once your meatloaf is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice right away! Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is key because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf moist and delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
• Comforting flavor that brings back childhood memories.
• Great for meal prep—leftovers are just as delicious!
• Customizable with your favorite spices and additions.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect meatloaf is all about the little details! First off, remember not to overmix your ingredients; this can make your meatloaf tough instead of tender. A gentle hand is key! Also, if you find your mixture is too dry, add a splash more milk or ketchup to keep it moist. And don’t skip the resting time after baking—letting it sit for those 10 minutes really makes a difference in juiciness!

If you want to avoid any cracks or uneven cooking, try shaping your meatloaf into a slightly oval form rather than a flat rectangle. Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, play around with seasonings or add-ins like chopped bell peppers or Italian herbs for a unique twist. You’ve got this!

Variations

The beauty of meatloaf is its versatility! You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste. For a twist, try adding chopped bell peppers or grated carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Love a bit of heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you’re a fan of herbs, throw in some fresh parsley or thyme to brighten things up. You could even swap out the ketchup on top for barbecue sauce or a sweet chili glaze for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; it’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your meatloaf again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick fix—just be careful not to overcook, or it can dry out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

Nutritional Information

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s an estimated breakdown for one slice of meatloaf: about 250 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Always double-check if you need precise values based on your choices!

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear how your meatloaf turned out! Did you make any fun variations or have any questions along the way? Feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts, tips, or anything you learned while making this delicious dish. Happy cooking!

Meatloaf Recipes: 5 Simple Steps to a Delicious Dinner

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A simple and tasty meatloaf recipe perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined, but do not overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Spread a little ketchup on top for extra flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
7. Check if it’s cooked through with a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C).
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• For added flavor, mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots.
• Make sure not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Let it rest before slicing to keep it moist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: meatloaf recipes, easy meatloaf, beginner meatloaf