This Easy Meatloaf Recipe makes juicy, moist meatloaf that tastes incredible. Made with simple ingredients and hardly any prep time, this is sure to be your new family favorite!
This easy meatloaf recipe has been part of our family dinners for as long as I can remember. My mom originally got the recipe from a wonderful neighbor years ago, and it quickly became a family favorite that everyone looks forward to.
Now it’s one of my older son’s favorite dinners, and it’s a recipe I make again and again because it’s simple, comforting, and always turns out well. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how dependable it is. Since there isn’t much prep, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work.
Plus, leftovers make great meatloaf sandwiches the next day, which is another reason this recipe is such a family favorite. If you’re looking for a classic homemade meatloaf that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this is the recipe we keep coming back to.
“Absolutely the best meatloaf I have tried. The flavor was great! Will definitely be making this again.” – Lue
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Breadcrumbs: I use Italian breadcrumbs. You could also add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to regular breadcrumbs.
- Milk: Any milk from skim to whole milk will work. You could also use nondairy milk like unsweetened almond milk.
- Chili sauce: You’ll want the red chili sauce, like Heinz Chili Sauce, not something like a Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Garlic salt: If you’re watching your sodium, you can use garlic powder in place of the garlic salt.
- Ground beef: I like to use either 85% or 88% lean ground beef. If the ground beef is too lean, it dries out, and if it has a high fat percentage, you end up with a lot of grease and the meatloaf shrinks more.
How to make this easy meatloaf recipe
Here you’ll find instructions and step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, stir together bread crumbs, milk, chili sauce, onion, egg, salts, and pepper until well-combined.
Step 2: Add ground beef, and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Shape into a loaf in a 9×5-inch baking pan.
Step 4: Bake 55-60 minutes, or until done. Brush on additional chili sauce, if desired and serve.
Recipe Tips!
- Variations: You can switch up the flavors with different herbs and spices.
- Sauce: If you don’t like chili sauce, then you can use ketchup or barbecue sauce.
- Checking for doneness: I use 1.5 pounds of meat in this recipe which will take around 60 minutes to cook through at 350F although the size of your loaf pan and oven will make a difference. To check whether your meatloaf is ready, use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches 160F.
- Rest: 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.
Serving suggestions
You can serve slices of this delicious meatloaf with sauteed or roasted vegetables, funeral potatoes, or scalloped potatoes. You could also opt for a fresh green salad to help lighten up the meal.
The leftovers make great sandwiches. Simply top with your favorite condiments, and you have an easy lunch or dinner.
How to freeze
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.
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 or microwave until heated through.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored in the fridge.
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Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
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 lean 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.½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, ½ cup skim milk, ½ cup chili sauce, ½ cup white or yellow onion, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Add ground beef, and mix until just combined.1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- Shape into a loaf in a 9×5-inch baking pan.
- Bake 55-60 minutes, or until done.
- Brush on additional chili sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs: I use Italian breadcrumbs. You could also add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to regular breadcrumbs.
- Milk: Any milk from skim to whole milk will work. You could also use nondairy milk like unsweetened almond milk.
- Chili sauce: You’ll want the red chili sauce, like Heinz Chili Sauce, not something like a Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Garlic salt: If you’re watching your sodium, you can use garlic powder in place of the garlic salt.
- Ground beef: I like to use either 85% or 88% lean ground beef. If the ground beef is too lean, it dries out, and if it has a high fat percentage, you end up with a lot of grease and the meatloaf shrinks more.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Lue says
Absolutely the best meatloaf I have tried. The flavor was great! Will definitely be making this again.
Kate says
Thank you! This is my family’s favorite recipe, and I’m so glad that you liked it. =) Thanks for commenting!
Happy Valley Chow says
Love this recipe, meatloaf is always a favorite in our house. Great twist on a classic :)
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
kateheartseating says
Thanks!! =)