Easy Meatloaf
This is a super easy meatloaf to make. You can make it using dried or fresh herbs and spices depending on how much time or effort you want to take. Using dried doesn’t affect the taste that much so if you are in a rush or don’t have fresh, by all means use what you do have on hand.
Meatloaf is one of those traditional standby dishes that just about everyone likes. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and gravy and you’ve got a complete meal. A side salad makes it a healthy and nutritious meal for everyone in the family.
Ingredients for the perfect easy meatloaf:
- Lean ground beef (I recommend lean but you can use whatever you have on hand)
- An egg, to help bind everything
- BBQ sauce (or ketchup) use your favorite
- Bread or bread crumbs (soaked in milk for moisture)
- Seasonings- garlic, onions (fresh or dried) and salt and pepper
It really is that simple. You can by all means make it more complicated. I like to make variations on meatloaf when I am in the mood. I like Mexican meatloaf, so I add mexican spices to the meat mixture (cumin, cayenne and oregano). I also add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies and a fresh diced jalapeno. Serve this meatloaf with some spanish rice to complete the Mexican experience.
You can be more traditional by using ketchup and brown sugar to create a sauce for the meat and topping.
Easy Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan * I have a meatloaf pan with a removable insert
Ingredients
- 1 KG Lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp dehydrated onion OR ½ med onion diced small
- ¾ tsp granulated garlic OR 2 cloves minced fine
- 1 lg egg
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- ¾ Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 100 grams bread, soaked in milk, then squeezed to remove excess milk
- ⅓ cup bbq sauce (your favorite) I used honey bbq sauce
- ¼ cup bbq sauce for topping I used HOT honey bbq sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉
- In a large mixing bowl combine 1 KG Lean ground beef, 1 Tbsp dehydrated onion OR ½ med onion diced small, ¾ tsp granulated garlic OR 2 cloves minced fine, 1 Tbsp kosher salt, ¾ Tbsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 lg egg, ⅓ cup bbq sauce (your favorite) and 100 grams bread, soaked in milk, then squeezed to remove excess milk.
- Once the mixture is well combined, add it to your loaf pan making sure it is even and in the corners. Top with your favorite bbq sauce.
- Bake for 50 minutes until an instant read meat thermometer reads 160℉
- Let the meatloaf sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.
Notes
What do I serve with this easy meatloaf?
The best side dishes to serve alongside a meatloaf depend on how much work you want to do.
You can serve it with a nice green salad with an easy vinaigrette for a simple side. Or you can go more traditional and serve it with mashed potatoes and a side vegetable. Below are some suggestions and links to my recipes for instant pot mashed potatoes or even an easy Instant pot mac & Cheese
How to store your leftover Meatloaf:
I often have a few slices leftover so I like to freeze them for a quick dinner when I am eating alone or in a rush. Just wrap a serving (2 slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then into a freezer safe container or ziploc bag. If i have more than one serving I put them all (once wrapped) into the same container or bag then I can just grab however many servings I need at a time.
If you think you will eat the leftovers within 3 days, then just put them in an airtight storage container and reheat what you want in the microwave when you want it. Enjoy