Easy Weeknight Meatloaf with Just a Few Ingredients
This easy weeknight meatloaf recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish or baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 80/20
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for optional glaze/topping)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing just until all ingredients are combined.
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared dish and gently form it into an oval or rectangular loaf shape.
- Create a small indentation or shallow trench down the middle of the top of the loaf with your finger.
Cooking
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf registers 160°F (71°C).
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the meatloaf into desired portions and serve hot, optionally with extra ketchup on the side.
Notes
Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture, and do not pack the loaf too tightly, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Resting the meatloaf after baking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.