Classic Meatloaf: Easy and Delicious

This classic meatloaf recipe is the epitome of comfort food—simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner, this meatloaf comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy a juicy, flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Check out my tips below for achieving the best results!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (or a beef/pork blend)
• 1 cup diced onion (chopped small)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (or panko crumbs)
• ⅓ cup milk (or broth/water)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Variations

• Breadcrumb Substitutes: Try rolled oats, crushed crackers, tortilla chips, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or cooked quinoa.
• Milk Substitutes: Use beef broth, water, tomato sauce, or ketchup.
• Ground Meat Options: Use ground turkey, pork, chicken, or even canned salmon.
• Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas and corn, or sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Dice the onion into very small pieces for better cohesion in the meatloaf.
2. Mix Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
   Shape the mixture into a loaf with your hands or pack it into a greased loaf pan, then flip it onto the baking sheet. Remove the loaf pan, leaving a perfectly shaped meatloaf.
4. Bake and Prepare Sauce
   Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes. While it’s baking, mix together the ketchup and white vinegar for the sauce.
5. Spread the Sauce
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the sauce over the top and sides. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until fully cooked inside.
6. Let Rest
   Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices distribute evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Bake on a Sheet: This gives you crispy edges, unlike a loaf pan which can make it soggy.
• Dice Onions Small: Ensures they mix in well and help the meatloaf stick together.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: It has the right amount of fat for moisture without being greasy.
• Mix Evenly: Ensure beef is fully coated with eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk for cohesion.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F in the center.
• Sauce Timing: Apply sauce 10 minutes before the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let it rest to keep the juices inside.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat slices for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled meatloaf in foil, then plastic wrap or a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
• Reheat from Frozen: Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes with foil on. Refresh sauce in the last 10 minutes if needed.

Enjoy this classic meatloaf for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!