Classic Old-Fashioned 4-Ingredient Meatloaf
This classic old-fashioned meatloaf recipe uses just four simple ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- loaf pan
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers about 25-30 crackers
- large egg
- 0.5 cup ketchup divided
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large mixing bowl.
- In the bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, and 1/4 cup of ketchup, mixing until just combined without overworking it.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a 9x5 inch loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), then let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to redistribute the juices.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender result. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a moist and flavorful dish.