Best Easy Meatloaf

Everyone needs an easy meatloaf recipe, and this one is our favorite! It's very easy to make, always moist, and has the best tangy sweet ketchup glaze!

4.4 from 11 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Servings:

Calories: 419kcal

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

2 lbs. ground beef
1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
2 cups fine bread crumbs (from about 4 slices white bread, NOT dried breadcrumbs)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
¾ cup milk (2% or whole)
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper

For the glaze:

¾ cup ketchup
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Place the ground beef, onions, and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the milk and eggs directly over the breadcrumbs, allowing them to soak in the moisture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently combine and bring the mixture together.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared pan, about 9-10 inches long, and 4-5 inches wide.
In another bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Slather the mixture all over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 55-70 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized. (A wider, shallower loaf will take less time to bake, and a thicker loaf will take more time). The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

To make fresh breadcrumbs, add fresh white bread slices to a food processor and pulse until small crumbs form. You can use Italian, sandwich bread, or even sourdough bread for this recipe.
Don't skip the rest! Letting the meatloaf rest allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, keeping it nice and moist, rather than losing all those juices to the cutting board.
If you'd like, you can add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder to the meat mixture.

Equipment

Meat Thermometer

Liquid Measuring Cups

9 inch loaf pan

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword easy meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, traditional meatloaf recipe

Nutrition