Simple Easy Meatloaf Recipe: Few Ingredients

Craving a hearty, comforting meal but short on time and ingredients? Look no further than this simple, easy meatloaf recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few key ingredients, you'll have a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in no time.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that's loved by many. It's versatile, easy to customize, and leftovers make fantastic sandwiches. This simple recipe focuses on the basics, ensuring a tender, flavorful result every time. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this easy meatloaf masterpiece.

Gather Your Ingredients

As the title suggests, this recipe uses few ingredients, making it an excellent option for when you're short on groceries or want to minimize your shopping list. Here's what you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (40g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5ml) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup (55g) shredded cheese for topping

Choose the Right Ground Beef

For the best results, opt for 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of lean meat and fat. This ratio ensures your meatloaf stays moist and doesn't dry out during cooking.

If you prefer a leaner option, you can use 90/10 ground beef. However, keep an eye on cooking time to prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry. You can also mix in a bit of ground pork for added flavor and moisture.

Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, prep your ingredients to save time and ensure a smooth process. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. Measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

If using, shred the cheese for topping. You can also prepare any sides you'd like to serve with your meatloaf, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Assemble the Meatloaf

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it's time to combine them and shape your meatloaf. This recipe uses a simple, hands-on method that doesn't require any special equipment.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.

Shape the Meatloaf

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly grease the paper or foil to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, shape the meat into a loaf about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long and 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) wide. Make sure the loaf is relatively uniform in shape to ensure even cooking.

Top with Cheese (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust as the meatloaf cooks.

Alternatively, you can mix the cheese into the meatloaf mixture before shaping, or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, the cheese adds a delightful touch of richness and flavor to this simple dish.

Bake and Rest the Meatloaf

With your meatloaf shaped and topped, it's time to bake it to perfection. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the meatloaf cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

To ensure even cooking, rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the cooking time. This helps prevent any hot spots and ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly from edge to edge.

Rest the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring a moister, more flavorful final product.

While the meatloaf rests, prepare any sides you'd like to serve with it. This simple, easy meatloaf recipe pairs well with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables to crisp salads and warm dinner rolls.

Enjoy your homemade, simple, and easy meatloaf! This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and makes fantastic leftovers for lunches or future dinners. Happy cooking!