Easy & Delicious Simple Meatloaf Recipe: Your New Family Favorite
This Simple Meatloaf Recipe is truly one of those timeless, comforting dinners that reliably brings everyone to the table. It’s a foundational dish, cherished for generations, and remarkably easy to prepare. With just a handful of staple pantry ingredients and absolutely no complicated steps, this recipe guarantees a perfectly tender, incredibly juicy, and deeply flavorful meatloaf every single time. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience, made effortlessly for any busy weeknight or relaxed Sunday dinner. Forget dry, bland meatloaf – this recipe promises a moist interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior, making it a staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Looking for more hearty beef dishes? You might also love my Baked Chuck Roast for another tender, savory meal, or my satisfying Dump-and-Go Taquito Casserole for a fun, quick dinner option!
This simple meatloaf recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, coming together quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The brilliant addition of stuffing mix is our secret weapon, ensuring the meatloaf stays incredibly moist and tender, preventing any dryness that can sometimes plague homemade meatloaf. This savory mix also infuses a delightful depth of flavor, making it more than just a binder. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf develops a beautifully caramelized crust that locks in all the juices and adds an irresistible finish. It’s truly the perfect solution for a comforting and satisfying meal, whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a relaxed family gathering on a Sunday.
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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Simple Meatloaf Recipe!
When you’re craving a classic, heartwarming dinner that’s both substantial and incredibly easy to prepare, this meatloaf recipe is your ultimate go-to. It consistently delivers on flavor and tenderness, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion. Here’s why this simple meatloaf will become a staple in your kitchen:
- **Budget-Friendly:** Made with common, affordable ingredients, this recipe helps you create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Ground beef is a versatile and economical choice for feeding a family.
- **Freezer-Friendly:** This meatloaf is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later, saving you precious time on busy days.
- **Pantry Staples:** You likely already have all the ingredients needed in your kitchen. No special trips to the grocery store required!
- **Pure Comfort Food:** There’s something inherently comforting about a classic meatloaf. It’s hearty, satisfying, and evokes a sense of home-cooked goodness.
- **Crowd-Pleaser:** Loved by both kids and adults, this meatloaf is a guaranteed hit for family dinners. Its familiar flavors and tender texture make it universally appealing.
⏰ **Total Time:** Approximately 50 minutes (10 mins prep, 40-60 mins bake)
🍂 **Perfect For:** Hearty family dinners, efficient freezer meal prep, potlucks, and special occasions.
🛒 **Key Ingredients:** Lean ground beef, savory stuffing mix, tangy ketchup, and rich Worcestershire sauce. These simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
🍽️ **Servings:** This recipe generously serves 5 people, making it ideal for average-sized families or for having a delicious portion of leftovers.
🥄 **Skill Level:** Easy! Even beginner cooks will find this recipe straightforward and achievable, ensuring success every time.
🧊 **Storage:** Leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, or can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
For more delicious and comforting meal ideas, make sure to try my vibrant Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice for a burst of Tex-Mex flavor, or indulge in my easy No-Bake Avalanche Cookies for a quick, sweet treat!
Made With Love,
Julia Pacheco
Essential Ingredients for Your Simple & Juicy Meatloaf
Crafting a truly tender and flavorful meatloaf relies on each ingredient playing its specific role. This carefully selected list ensures a moist interior, a delicious crust, and a perfectly balanced taste that makes this recipe stand out. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of our meatloaf. For the best balance of juiciness and flavor without excess grease, opt for 80/20 ground beef. Leaner options like 90/10 can also work, but you might notice a slightly drier texture. The fat content is crucial for keeping the meatloaf moist as it bakes.
- Stuffing Mix: This is the game-changer! Using a savory stuffing mix (like Stove Top) is a brilliant shortcut. It not only adds incredible depth of flavor with its herbs and spices but also acts as a binder and helps retain moisture. The breadcrumbs in the stuffing absorb the meat’s juices, preventing the meatloaf from drying out and contributing to its wonderfully tender texture.
- Eggs: The essential binding agent. Eggs help hold all the ingredients together, ensuring your meatloaf maintains its shape and doesn’t crumble when sliced. They also contribute to the overall richness and moisture of the loaf.
- Milk: A splash of milk further enhances the moisture content of the meatloaf mixture. It helps to soften the stuffing mix and contributes to a more tender and palatable texture, preventing it from becoming too dense.
- Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Worcestershire Sauce: This trio forms the irresistible sweet and savory glaze that truly elevates the meatloaf. Ketchup provides a classic tangy base, brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, and Worcestershire sauce introduces a complex, umami-rich depth that ties all the flavors together. This glaze not only adds flavor but also creates a glossy, appetizing finish.
For more delicious and satisfying classic dinners, don’t miss out on my tender Baked Chuck Roast next – it’s another family favorite!
Full Ingredients List for Your Perfect Meatloaf
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite comfort meal. All measurements are precise to ensure the best possible results:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 or leaner for optimal juiciness)
- 1 (6oz) box Stove Top stuffing mix (savory herbs flavor works wonderfully)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp milk (any type will do)
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided (¼ cup for the mixture, ½ cup for the glaze)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🔒 For your convenience, the complete ingredient list with exact amounts and a printer-friendly format is included in the printable recipe card below. Feel free to save or print it for future reference!
How to Prepare Your Perfectly Simple Meatloaf
Making this meatloaf is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly baked, juicy, and flavorful meatloaf that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking from the moment your meatloaf goes in. Next, generously grease a standard loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the meatloaf from sticking and makes for easy removal after baking, ensuring your beautiful loaf stays intact.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your 1 ½ lbs of ground beef, the entire 6oz box of Stove Top stuffing mix, 2 eggs, 3 tbsp milk, and ¼ cup of ketchup. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf. Mix just enough so that everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Signature Glaze. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze is smooth and well combined. This sweet and tangy topping is what gives the meatloaf its iconic flavor and beautiful caramelized finish.
Step 4: Form the Loaf and Apply Glaze. Transfer the meat mixture into your greased loaf pan. Gently press and shape it into an even loaf, making sure it fills the pan from end to end. Then, evenly spread the prepared sweet and tangy glaze over the entire top surface of the meatloaf. This glaze will bake into a delicious, slightly sticky crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection and Serve. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40–60 minutes. The cooking time can vary based on your oven and the thickness of your meatloaf. To ensure it’s safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center, and no longer be pink. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender slice. Then, slice and serve warm!
🔒All step-by-step instructions are also readily available in the comprehensive printable recipe card below. Don’t forget to save it for later when you need this fantastic recipe!
Exciting Simple Meatloaf Variations to Try
While the classic simple meatloaf is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment and customize it to your taste. Here are some fantastic variations to keep things interesting and cater to different preferences:
- Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for the glaze. This swap introduces a smoky, tangy, and often sweeter flavor profile, giving your meatloaf a delicious BBQ twist. Choose your favorite brand for the best results!
- If you don’t have stuffing mix, or simply prefer an alternative, swap it for crushed crackers or rolled oats. About 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers or quick-cooking oats can be used per 1 ½ lbs of beef. Ensure they are well mixed to absorb moisture and act as a binder, keeping the meatloaf tender.
- For an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, mix in finely diced vegetables. Try adding finely diced onions, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the meat mixture. Sautéing them lightly before adding can bring out their sweetness and ensure they are tender in the baked meatloaf.
- Shape into mini loaves for faster cooking and individual portions. Press the meat mixture into muffin tins or form smaller free-form loaves on a baking sheet. Reduce baking time to 20-30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F is reached. These are great for meal prep or quick weeknight meals.
For another incredibly cozy oven-baked dinner that’s perfect for cool evenings, be sure to try my hearty Baked Chuck Roast. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
My Pro TipS
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatloaf
Achieving a perfectly tender and juicy meatloaf every time is simple with these expert tips:
- **Avoid Overmixing the Ingredients:** This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a tender meatloaf. Overworking the meat mixture can develop the proteins too much, leading to a dense, rubbery texture. Mix just until all ingredients are combined, usually for no more than 1-2 minutes by hand.
- **Let the Meatloaf Rest:** Once your meatloaf is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice it immediately. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting. This resting period gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the loaf, resulting in a more moist and flavorful slice that holds together beautifully.
- **Bake on a Foil-Lined Sheet Pan (Optional):** If you prefer a meatloaf with a crispier exterior and don’t mind a little less clean-up in the loaf pan, you can bake it on a foil-lined sheet pan. Simply form the loaf directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. This allows the fat to drain away, potentially creating a slightly crustier edge.
- **Double the Recipe for Easy Meal Prep:** This meatloaf freezes exceptionally well. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing one uncooked loaf to save time later. Simply wrap the shaped, unbaked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the baking instructions. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices of cooked meatloaf for quick single servings.
You’ll love pairing this savory meatloaf with a delightful dessert! Try my incredibly popular Cinnabon Cake for a sweet ending to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Meatloaf
Here are answers to some common questions about making this easy meatloaf:
Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey is typically leaner, so your meatloaf might be slightly less juicy, but it will still be very flavorful and a great lighter alternative. If using very lean ground turkey, consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk or a bit of olive oil to the mix to help maintain moisture.
No, it’s best to bake this meatloaf uncovered. Baking it uncovered allows the delicious ketchup glaze to caramelize beautifully on top, forming that desirable slightly crispy, sweet, and tangy crust that defines a classic meatloaf. Covering it would steam the top and prevent this caramelization.
The most accurate way to determine if your meatloaf is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the loaf, making sure not to touch the bottom of the pan. The meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The center should also no longer appear pink.
Yes, this meatloaf is fantastic for making ahead! You can mix and shape the meatloaf, and even apply the glaze, up to a day in advance. Simply cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
For another quick and easy dinner idea, make sure to check out my incredible Dump-and-Go Taquito Casserole. It’s perfect for busy evenings!
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Meatloaf
This simple meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some of our favorite recommendations to complete your meal:
- **Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Hearty Roasted Vegetables:** Classic mashed potatoes are a quintessential pairing, perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or juices. Alternatively, try roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a nutritious and flavorful side.
- **Fresh Side Salad or Sautéed Green Beans:** A crisp, vibrant side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf. Simple sautéed green beans with garlic are another excellent choice, adding a touch of green and a pleasant crunch.
- **Warm Cornbread or Crusty Garlic Bread:** For a truly comforting experience, serve your meatloaf alongside warm, buttery cornbread or slices of crusty garlic bread. These are perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavor.
- **Serve with Extra Ketchup Glaze on the Side:** Offer a small bowl of extra glaze at the table, allowing everyone to add more of that irresistible sweet and tangy topping to their individual servings.
Next up, make sure to check out my flavorful Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice for another exciting dinner option!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips for Your Meatloaf
This simple meatloaf is fantastic for preparing in advance, storing leftovers, and reheating for future meals. Here’s how to ensure it stays delicious:
- **Make Ahead (Unbaked):** As mentioned, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it in the loaf pan, and apply the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking to help it cook more evenly.
- **Fridge Storage (Cooked):** Cooked meatloaf leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for delicious lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- **Freezer Storage (Cooked or Uncooked):**
- **Cooked Meatloaf:** Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire remaining loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- **Uncooked Meatloaf:** Shape the meatloaf in the pan (or a freezer-safe dish), wrap it very well with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- **Reheating Instructions:**
- **Oven:** For best results, reheat slices or a larger piece in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until thoroughly heated through (about 20-30 minutes for slices, longer for larger portions). This helps maintain moisture and a good texture.
- **Microwave:** For a quicker option, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a paper towel, and heat in 30-60 second intervals until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat.
Don’t forget dessert to round out your meal! My effortless No-Bake Avalanche Cookies make the perfect no-fuss sweet treat, requiring no oven time!
More Great Beef Recipes to Explore
Beef
Baked Chuck Roast
All Recipes
Dump and Go Taquito Casserole
Chicken
Fajita Bowls with Taco Rice
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
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Simple Meatloaf Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 or leaner
- 1 6oz box Stove Top stuffing mix (savory herbs flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, milk, and ¼ cup ketchup. Mix gently until just combined.
- In a small separate bowl, stir together the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shape it into an even loaf, and generously spread the glaze over the top.
- Bake for 40–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and it’s cooked through with no pink in the center. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation.