A classic comfort food, this Easy Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor and simplicity. With its moist texture and rich, savory glaze, it’s the perfect balance of hearty and satisfying. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you opt for beef, turkey, or a combination of ground meats, this meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80%-90% lean), or ground turkey, or a combination of ground beef and pork
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup beef broth (or milk for a creamier texture)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2-3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 ¼ teaspoons Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Glaze:
- ⅔ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (or a mix of both)
- 2-3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or a 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, broth, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined—avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender texture.
- Form the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup or BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Pour the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, adding more black pepper if desired.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Substitutions: For a fresher flavor, swap out garlic powder and onion powder with 1 cup of chopped onion and 4 garlic cloves, sautéed in olive oil before mixing into the meat. To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or chili sauce into the meat or glaze.
Make-ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it separately.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Storage: Leftover meatloaf stays delicious when stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
This meatloaf provides a balanced combination of protein from the ground beef or turkey, complex carbohydrates from breadcrumbs, and healthy fats from the egg and olive oil. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which contribute to energy and overall well-being.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Loved making this recipe? Share your thoughts or any adjustments you’ve tried. We’d love to hear how it worked for you or if you made any delicious modifications! Sharing and commenting helps inspire others to create tasty meals that bring families together. Feel free to pass it along to friends and family who enjoy comforting, homemade dinners.
