Name: Easy Meatloaf You'll Make Over and Over
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 pounds Ground Beef; 1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese; 4 Large Eggs; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; Sticky Sauce Ingredients:; 5 teaspoons Brown Sugar, packed; 2/3 cup ketchup; 1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce

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Easy Meatloaf Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food

Meatloaf is a staple in many households, known for its simplicity and heartiness. I love this easy meatloaf recipe, and I make it at least once a week. The reason? It’s not only delicious and moist but also comes with a “sticky sauce” that adds an extra layer of ooey-gooey goodness. This sticky sauce is truly what elevates this meatloaf from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a recipe that has become a family favorite and never fails to impress.

A Brief History of Meatloaf

Did you know that meatloaf dates back to Medieval times? Back then, it was a way to stretch out meat by mixing it with bread and grains. However, meatloaf didn’t gain popularity in America until the Great Depression, when it became an affordable way to feed families during tough times. This humble dish has certainly come a long way since then, evolving into the comforting meal we know and love today.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds Ground Beef
1 ½ cups Breadcrumbs
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
4 Large Eggs
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper

For the Sticky Sauce:

5 teaspoons Brown Sugar, packed
2/3 cup Ketchup
1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Sticky Sauce:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine all the sticky sauce ingredients: brown sugar, ketchup, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated. Make sure there are no large pockets of breadcrumbs.
Line a standard 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-inch loaf pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Press the meat mixture into the pan, leaving about ½ inch on all edges to create an indentation in the center for the sticky sauce.
Pour half of the sticky sauce into the indentation and spread evenly.

3. Bake the Meatloaf:

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Turn the oven to broil and adjust the oven rack to the top position.
Carefully drain any grease from the pan, being cautious not to spill out the sticky sauce.
Add the remaining sticky sauce to the top of the meatloaf, then return the meatloaf to the oven under the broiler.
Broil for 4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. You want the sauce to caramelize, creating that perfect sticky, sweet layer.

Pro Tip: Foil Sling for Easy Removal

To make removing the meatloaf from the pan even easier, line your loaf pan with two layers of aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides. Once the meatloaf is cooked, you can simply lift the foil “tabs” to remove it from the pan. Transfer the meatloaf to a jelly roll pan before adding the final layer of sticky sauce and broiling. This also gives the outer edges of the meatloaf a delightful crispness.

Jazz It Up: Muffin Tin Meatloaves

Want to make your meatloaf even more fun? Try using a muffin tin! Divide the meat mixture into a standard muffin tin, pressing the mixture into each cup. Bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked through. This is a great way to serve individual portions, perfect for meal prep or portion control. Plus, they cook faster than a traditional loaf! You might also like our Meatloaf Mugs Recipe.

Expert Tips

Use fresh breadcrumbs for a softer texture in your meatloaf.
Avoid overmixing the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Test the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked but not overdone.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier, so you may want to add an extra egg or a bit more sauce to keep it moist.

What should I serve with meatloaf?
Classic sides for this recipe include mashed potatoes, green beans, and a crisp salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick meal later on.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy meals? Check out my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! If you’re looking to simplify meal prep even further, grab my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with quick, easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game. Click the link and start transforming your meals today!

Easy Meatloaf You'll Make Over and Over

Yield: Serves 6-8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Looking for a delicious dinner idea? This easy meatloaf recipe is packed with flavor, topped with a sticky sauce, and perfect for any weeknight! Ready in no time, this family-favorite dish will be your new go-to for a hearty meal.