Simple Meat Loaf
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this Simple Meat Loaf recipe is a classic comfort food staple that combines unbeatable flavor and ease of preparation. Made with juicy ground beef, savory chopped onion, and a blend of pantry staples like breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder, this dish achieves a tender texture and rich taste in every bite. Topped with a tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, this meat loaf is ready in just over an hour and serves six generously. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With straightforward directions and simple ingredients, this easy meat loaf recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Explore More
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meat loaf dense.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press down to shape it into an even loaf.
Spread the 0.5 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meat loaf as a glaze.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat loaf reaches 160°F (71°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.
Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slice the meat loaf and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
529 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 880 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.5 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 103 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 506 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
