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    Home » Beef Recipes » Easy Meatloaf

    Easy Meatloaf

    Published: Jul 31, 2019 · Modified: Oct 5, 2019 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, moist and tastes incredible. Made with simple ingredients and hardly any prep time, this is sure to be your new family favorite!

    An overhead shot of an easy meatloaf on a cutting board with chili sauce

    Doesn't everyone's mom, dad, or grandma have a meatloaf recipe? It seems like there are certain recipes like cookies, rolls, and meatloaf that every family has their version of.

    If you already your family already has its meatloaf, then no other meatloaf will beat the one the one you grew up eating. However, if your family doesn't already have a recipe (or if you're just looking to try out a new one), let me suggest my mom's recipe.

    It gets its "zip" from the chili sauce. Don't worry - chili sauce isn't spicy; it's like a more flavorful ketchup. And if you have any leftovers, this meatloaf makes great meatloaf sandwiches.

    How to Make Easy Meatloaf

    In a large mixing bowl, stir together bread crumbs, milk, chili sauce, onion, egg, salts, and pepper until well-combined. Add ground beef, and mix until just combined.

    Two photos showing how to make an easy meatloaf

    Shape into a loaf in a 9x5-inch baking pan. Bake 55-60 minutes, or until done. Brush on additional chili sauce, if desired and serve.

    Two process shots for making easy meatloaf

    How to Serve Meatloaf

    You can serve slices of this delicious meatloaf with grilled or roasted vegetables or scalloped potatoes. You could also opt for a fresh salad if you'd like something lighter.

    Top Tip: Why not make sandwiches out of leftovers and top with your favorite condiments such as ketchup and mustard!

    Meatloaf covered with chili sauce next to a wooden knife

    How to Tell Whether Your Meatloaf is Finished Cooking

    I used 1.5 lbs of meat in this recipe which will take around 60 minutes to cook through at 350F although the size of your loaf pan will make a difference.

    To check your meatloaf is ready use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches 160F.

    Can I Freeze Meatloaf?

    Yes, freezing meatloaf is a great way to store leftovers or make a double batch and freeze one for when you're short on time! You can freeze meatloaf up to 3 months.

    Tip: When freezing meatloaf it's easier to store it in slices so you can bring our just what you need and it will thaw much faster.

    To reheat your meatloaf, let it thaw completely then reheat in the oven on a baking sheet at 305F until piping hot all the way through.

    A side shot of meatloaf on a cutting board with some slices cut and chili sauce beside it

    Top Tips for Making this Easy Meatloaf

    • You can switch up the flavors with different herbs and spices.
    • If you don't like chili sauce you can use ketchup or barbecue sauce.
    • Make sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving so it soaks up all the juices and flavor. If you cut into any meat when it's too hot it will dry out straight away.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

    Sides that Go Well with this Recipe:

    • Cream Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
    • Rosemary Parmesan Potato Wedges
    • Funeral Potatoes

    If you’ve tried this easy meatloaf recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    Easy Meatloaf Recipe

    This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, moist and tastes incredible. Made with simple ingredients and hardly any prep time, this is sure to be your new family favorite!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 328kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup skim milk
    • ½ cup chili sauce plus extra for brushing on after baking
    • ½ cup white or yellow onion finely chopped
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 ½ pounds ground beef

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 F.
    • In a large mixing bowl, stir together bread crumbs, milk, chili sauce, onion, egg, salts, and pepper until well-combined.
    • Add ground beef, and mix until just combined.
    • Shape into a loaf in a 9x5-inch baking pan.
    • Bake 55-60 minutes, or until done.
    • Brush on additional chili sauce, if desired.

    Notes

    Nutrition values are estimates. 

    Can I Freeze Meatloaf?

    Yes, freezing meatloaf is a great way to store leftovers or make a double batch and freeze one for when you're short on time! You can freeze meatloaf up to 3 months.
    Tip: When freezing meatloaf it's easier to store it in slices so you can bring our just what you need and it will thaw much faster. 
    To reheat your meatloaf, let it thaw completely then reheat in the oven on a baking sheet at 305F until piping hot all the way through.

    Top Tips for Making this Easy Meatloaf

    • You can switch up the flavors with different herbs and spices.
    • If you don't like chili sauce you can use ketchup or barbecue sauce.
    • Make sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving so it soaks up all the juices and flavor. If you cut into any meat when it's too hot it will dry out straight away.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1113mg | Potassium: 503mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 4.9mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3.2mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

     

     

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lue

      August 05, 2019 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely the best meatloaf I have tried. The flavor was great! Will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
      • Kate

        August 05, 2019 at 10:26 am

        Thank you! This is my family's favorite recipe, and I'm so glad that you liked it. =) Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    2. Happy Valley Chow

      May 13, 2013 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, meatloaf is always a favorite in our house. Great twist on a classic :)

      Happy Blogging!
      Happy Valley Chow

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        May 13, 2013 at 10:57 am

        Thanks!! =)

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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