There’s a reason meatloaf has stuck around in home kitchens for generations — it’s forgiving, filling, and built from things most people already have on hand. This version skips anything fussy and gets you from mixing bowl to dinner table without much fuss.
A weeknight classic that’s hard to mess up. A handful of pantry staples come together in minutes, then the oven does the rest of the work while you handle everything else on your to-do list.
Table of Contents
Meatloaf Ingredients
These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade meatloaf recipe:
For the loaf:
- Ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- A splash of milk
- Bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the glaze on top:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
Step-By-Step Direction
Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly into shape.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 4: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is fully cooked and no longer pink. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Step 5: Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy.
Recipe Tips for Easy Meatloaf
Don’t overmix the meat — gentle handling keeps the loaf tender instead of tough.
Let it rest before cutting; slicing too soon causes it to fall apart.
For extra flavor, swap half the bread crumbs for crushed crackers or oats.
If you like a thicker glaze, double the topping and brush a second layer on halfway through baking.
Storage
Cooled meatloaf keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Easy Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, and mix gently until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.4. Bake for about 1 hour, until the center is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer reads at least 160°F (70°C).5. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat for a tender texture.
- Letting the loaf rest before slicing helps it hold together.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 372
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 335mg
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 81mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 343mg
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