Best 11 Easy Classic Meat Loaf Recipes

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You crave the hearty, comforting flavors of classic meat loaf but lack the time or culinary expertise to tackle complex recipes. Fret not! This article will guide you through a culinary journey to discover the easiest classic meat loaf recipes that will tantalize your taste buds without breaking a sweat. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that combines simplicity, convenience, and incredible taste. Get ready to savor the classic flavors of meat loaf without the fuss!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

EASY MEATLOAF



Easy Meatloaf image

This is a very easy and no fail recipe for meatloaf. It won't take long to make at all, and it's quite good!

Provided by Janet Caldwell

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
⅓ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 334.6 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

EASY CLASSIC MEAT LOAF



Easy Classic Meat Loaf image

"My mother made this tender, moist meat loaf at least every other week-and always served it with scalloped potatoes. It was one of my favorite meals growing up." You'll be amazed by all the flavor from just a handful of pantry ingredients! Helen Lipko - Martinsburg, PA

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 egg, lightly beaten
1 can (5-1/2 ounces) V8 juice
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/3 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the egg, V8 juice, bread crumbs, soup mix, cheese and garlic powder. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Pat into an ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pan., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50 minutes. Spread ketchup over top; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 679mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF RECIPE



Traditional Meatloaf Recipe image

Cue one of the most comforting dinners of them all - the traditional meatloaf recipe. Moist and tender, this 2lb meatloaf recipe is easy to make and features a delicious combination of savory meat, meatloaf seasonings and a tangy glaze. This family favorite meal features meatloaf spices like onion powder, garlic powder, a dash of salt and French's® Tomato Ketchup. You can add a special twist by making a meatloaf with breadcrumbs, using a combination of meats like pork and beef, adding a dash of French's® Worcestershire Sauce or mixing in a chopped vegetable like green bell peppers or jalapeño. Throw the ingredients into a bowl, combine together and then transfer to a well-greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a shallow baking pan. The best part of this simple recipe for meatloaf is that you can use the leftovers (if there are any!) as meal prep for a tasty meatloaf sandwich for tomorrow's lunch. Want to serve a crowd? Try making our Meatloaf Bombs and sticking toothpicks in them for easy finger food. This McCormick meatloaf recipe pairs well with French's® Green Bean Casserole, a Vegetable Saute or a Simple Tossed Green Salad.

Provided by McCormick

Categories     Entrees,

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp McCormick® Onion Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup French's® Tomato Ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and seasonings in large bowl.
  • Shape into a loaf on shallow baking pan. Pour ketchup over top.
  • Bake meatloaf 55 to 60 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 Calories

EASY OLD FASHIONED MEATLOAF



Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf image

No fancy ingredients here... Not like we need another meatloaf recipe, but I figured I'd should post my Grandma's for people like me who like a quick easy meatloaf without a lot of fuss. Most of the meatloaves I saw here had things I'd never even consider putting in a meatloaf! :) At times I will substitute the onion with approx. 1/4 cup dried onion flakes. I also have substituted the garlic with garlic powder. I've never tried making it with horseradish. (I was a notoriously picky eater as a kid so I don't think Grandma put it in when I came to visit either.) I usually don't bother beating the egg... (Boy do I sound lazy! Don't tell Mom! LOL!) I've only recently started putting ketchup on the top before baking, so I don't think it's necessary to keep the meatloaf moist. Mom used to use her own dried bread crumbs, but I use the plain storebought kind. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any flavored bread crumbs... Make sure lean ground beef is used otherwise the meatloaf can get too greasy and/or bubble over the pan while baking. I also recommend checking the center to make sure it's done. On occasion it has taken over an hour to bake.

Provided by nranger7

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper
1 medium finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
  • Shape in loaf pan.
  • Cover with more ketchup if desired.
  • Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 97, Sodium 861.5, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 24.3

CLASSIC MEATLOAF RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Meatloaf Recipe by Tasty image

Meatloaf is a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Full of savory flavor and topped with a sweet, sticky ketchup glaze, it's the perfect pair to your favorite vegetable side dishes, such as classic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup whole milk
2 lb ground beef
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until the tomato paste turns deep red in color, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the onion mixture cool to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the panko and milk. Add the ground beef, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture and use your hands to combine. Do not overmix!
  • Shape the beef mixture into a 10 x 5-inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top and sides with ketchup.
  • Bake the meatloaf until the top is browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), about 50 minutes.
  • Slice and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 573 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 47 grams, Sugar 8 grams

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Good meatloaf is about as comforting as comfort food gets. Thankfully, meatloaf doesn't have to be complex to be good. It just needs to be tender (from breadcrumbs soaked in milk and gentle handling) and flavorful (from onion, garlic, and ketchup).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 slices white sandwich bread
1/3 cup whole milk
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 medium onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1/2 cup ketchup
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place bread in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in milk. Set aside, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add bread-milk mixture, and mix very gently with a fork (do not overmix).
  • Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.
  • Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 g, Fat 33 g, Protein 29 g

CLASSIC MEAT LOAF



Classic Meat Loaf image

It's not fancy, and it doesn't use exotic ingredients...but this is quite simply the best old-fashioned meat loaf I've ever made.-Mary Rea, Orangeville, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup whole milk
3 slices whole wheat or white bread, cubed
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce
2 pounds lean ground beef

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, pour milk over bread. Add egg, onion, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; mix thoroughly. Add ground beef; mix well. Shape meat mixture into an 8x4-in. oval. , Bake in a shallow pan at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until no pink remains. Drain.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 390mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
½ onion, coarsely chopped
½ red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 ½ pounds ground chuck
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
hot pepper sauce to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
  • Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
  • Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Top Rated Classic Meatloaf image

My family enjoyed the slightly spicy taste of this meatloaf. This recipe, submitted by a local DJ, was in our local paper.

Provided by Rosemary Chapman

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 Meatloaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup cracker crumb
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion and tomato sauce.
  • Mix lightly.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and vinegar.
  • Brush the loaf with this mixture.
  • Place meat loaf in oven and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Not your average blue-plate special, this meatloaf recipe brings three ground meats together with a sweet-and-sour glaze to form a tender and moist mealtime favorite.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 thick slices white bread, torn into large pieces
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
12 ounces ground beef chuck (90 percent lean), preferably pasture-raised
12 ounces ground pork, preferably pasture-raised
12 ounces ground veal, preferably milk-fed
1 large egg
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse bread in a food processor until finely ground. (You should have about 2 1/2 cups breadcrumbs.) Transfer to a medium bowl.
  • Pulse garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and parsley in food processor until finely chopped. Add to breadcrumbs. Add meats, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; mix together using your hands. Transfer mixture to a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan.
  • Stir together remaining 1/2 cup ketchup and the brown sugar until smooth; brush onto meat. Set pan on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160 degrees, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat. A combination of ground beef and ground pork is a classic choice, but you can also use all beef, all pork, or a mixture of other ground meats.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf tough. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use a light touch when forming the meatloaf. Don't pack it too tightly, or it will be dry.
  • Bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan. This will help it keep its shape and cook evenly.
  • Baste the meatloaf with ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will help it stay moist and flavorful.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the loaf.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a hit with the family. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and moist meatloaf that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatloaf a try!

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