This is the most amazing, Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe you’ll have. It’s honestly so simple to put together and takes just 5 minutes. The end result, however, yields a perfectly delicious meal that seems like it took too much time and effort.
This best and easy meatloaf is typically made in a loaf pan and topped with a delicious, sweet glaze. It’s easy to put together, and you must typically serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, corn, and a vegetable like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
I prefer to go the non-traditional route and serve it with some salad for a well-balanced and nutritious meal. I either serve it with fattoush or Arabic chopped salad.
Tasty, Delicious & Easy Meatloaf
History and Origin
Meatloaf is a traditional American dish that consists of ground meat, simple seasonings, breadcrumbs, and some ketchup. The final shape of the dish comes by either forming it by hand or using a loaf pan. It is then sliced into individual slices like you would a loaf of bread. Thus, giving it the name “meat loaf”.
Most sources say that the origin of this dish comes from Belgium or Germany. The dish has a history in something called “scrapple’, which was meat scraps and cornmeal. German and Dutch Americans served it in Pennsylvania during early colonial times.
Meatloaf was a commonly eaten dish in the United States during the Great Depression. It was a fantastic way for families to stretch their food budget.
They used the cheapest meat they could find, and any leftover ingredients they had on hand. They also added spices, crackers, bread, or cereal grains, to add as a filler to the meat so it was more full.
Nowadays, we make it similarly but not for budgeting reasons; although you could use it as such. We add bread or crumbs to the meat because they act as great binding ingredients. They also add a nice amount of moisture!
Turkey and Beef for Ultimate Deliciousness
What Is The Best Meat for Meatloaf?
To make this the best and most delicious meatloaf, you want to use less lean ground beef. We’re talking either 80% lean or 85% lean ground beef. This ensures the meatloaf stays moist and juicy instead of dry.
You definitely want to avoid using extra lean meats, as those will make the meatloaf dry since they have low-fat content.
The Sauce or Glaze
The sauce and glaze that I use to cover the dish are honestly so easy to put together. It’s perfect since it provides the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to the dish. Just mix the ingredients together and brush them on top of the beef once it’s finished cooking.
The end result is a delicious glaze and crust on tender beef.
Top Tips
You can use all beef, all turkey, or even a mix with ground chicken if you prefer to add moisture and flavor to your meatloaf.
Do not overmix the ingredients, you do not want it to be tough. It is better to use your hands or a fork to combine the ingredients, but avoid using a mixer.
If you have meatloaf leftovers, you can be creative. Turn them into delicious sandwiches, crumble them as toppings for pizzas, or add them to a pasta sauce.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step lets the juices settle for a more tender moist meatloaf.
To make sure the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the inner temperature. It should be around 160F or 71C. Do it to avoid your loaf being overdone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. Shape it and prepare it as my recipe instructs and tightly wrap it with plastic and foil and freeze. Defrost it in the fridge, cover it, then proceed to bake per recipe instructions.
Yes, you can! I prefer a mixture, but you could use all beef or all turkey.
It depends on how thick you shape it. If you’re making it really thick and short, you would need to increase the cooking time.
Tender and Juicy
You’ll Need These Ingredients For a Good Meatloaf
Meat: Either on its own or a mix of beef and turkey. Do not use extra lean ground beef.
Egg: It adds fluff and acts as a binder to keep the loaf intact.
Breadcrumbs: To lock in moisture and add some fluff.
Milk: To add in an extra juicy factor.
Ketchup: For a hint of sweetness and traditional flavor.
Salt and Pepper: No dish is complete without them.
Dried Herbs: Oregano, basil, and thyme. These three herbs will guarantee to deliver a delicious aroma and flavorful dish.
Onion: Onion and beef go hand in hand to deliver a delicious dish. Don’t skip it, you don’t it to be bland.
Garlic Powder: For a little garlic flavor. We do not want it to be overwhelming.
Onion Powder: To reinforce the onion aroma and flavor.
Smoked Paprika: A hint of barbecue flavor.
The Glaze: Ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the perfect sweet and savory topping for this dish.
How to Make It
First, mix the ground beef and ground turkey together.
Next, add the egg, milk, breadcrumbs, and ketchup.
Then, add in the seasonings and mix.
Finally, mix until combined and shape onto your pan. Bake until fully cooked.
At last, brush with the glaze and bake for a few more minutes before resting and cutting.
Easy and Effortless, Perfect for Weeknight Dinners!
Other Recipes I Know You’ll Enjoy:
Middle Eastern Inspired Baked Salmon
Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Palestinian Arayes)
Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken
Bukhari Rice and Chicken (Ruz Bukhari)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube.
Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% or 80% lean ground beef
- ½ pound 85% lean ground turkey or use all turkey, or all beef
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400℉.
- In a bowl, combine the beef and turkey (or whatever meat you're using).
- Add the egg, ketchup, breadcrumbs, milk and seasonings. Mix together well until just combined.
- Shape into a log on a tray lined with parchment paper, or over line a loaf pan and let parchment paper hang off the sides, then place the mixture inside.
- Bake for 30 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.
- Combine the glaze ingredients together, and brush ontop and on the sides of the meatloaf once 30 minutes are up.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, or salad.
Notes
- You can use all beef, all turkey, or even a mix with ground chicken if you prefer to add moisture and flavor to your meatloaf.
- Do not overmix the ingredients because you do not want them to become tough. Use your hands or a fork to combine the ingredients, but avoid using a mixer.
- If you have meatloaf leftovers, you can be creative. Turn them into delicious sandwiches, crumble them as toppings for pizzas, or add them to a pasta sauce.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step lets the juices settle for a tender moist meatloaf.
- To make sure the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the inner temperature. It should be around 160F or 71C. Do it to avoid your loaf being overdone.
First time I’ve made meatloaf, this recipes was fast and easy to follow. Full of flavor.