When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as comforting as a juicy, tender meatloaf. This easy meatloaf recipe is hands down one of the best you’ll ever try. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also simple to make and ready in under an hour. Topped with a sweet, sticky caramelized glaze, this meatloaf will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for the ultimate comfort meal that will bring everyone to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite – A dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for a cozy meal together.
- Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients like cheese, veggies, or herbs for a personal touch.
Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Meal
Meatloaf is one of those nostalgic meals that many of us grew up eating. It’s the ultimate comfort food, even though it might not win any beauty contests. But when it comes to flavor and satisfying your hunger, it’s hard to beat! I’ll never forget how my family gathered around the table with a big meatloaf at the center, and this recipe brings back all those warm memories. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Plus, this meatloaf is versatile—you can even add a cheesy twist to it, creating a cheese-stuffed meatloaf for extra gooey deliciousness! But for today, we’re keeping it simple and classic. Here’s how to make the best meatloaf ever in just 60 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (I used 85/15 for the perfect balance of lean and fat)
- 6-ounce box Stove Top Stuffing (I used the Savory Herbs variety)
- ⅔ cup ketchup (divided into ⅓ cup for the filling and ⅓ cup for the glaze)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
Instructions:
- Prep the Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold it lengthwise to fit the length of a 9×13 baking dish. Leave a bit of an overhang so you can easily lift the meatloaf out of the pan once it’s cooked. This helps with clean-up and makes it easier to serve!
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, the entire box of Stove Top Stuffing, ⅓ cup of ketchup, milk, water, minced garlic, and the slightly beaten eggs. Mix everything together thoroughly. You can use a spoon or, if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, your hands (just wear disposable gloves to keep everything clean).
- Shape the Meatloaf – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this isn’t a beauty contest, it’s all about flavor!
- Bake the Meatloaf – Pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 40 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, the delicious smells will start filling your kitchen—trust me, you’ll be ready to dig in already!
- Add the Glaze – Once the meatloaf is done baking, take it out of the oven. Use a spoon or a silicone pastry brush to spread the remaining ⅓ cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure to spread it evenly, but avoid getting it on the edges to prevent it from sliding off during baking.
- Finish Baking – Put the meatloaf back into the oven and bake it for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (use an internal meat thermometer for accuracy).
- Rest & Serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to cut. Then, serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf:
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with ingredients! Add shredded cheese inside the meatloaf for a cheesy surprise, or toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Toppings: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt into the caramelized glaze.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
This easy meatloaf recipe is comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something hearty, this meatloaf hits the spot every time. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and green beans for the perfect meal!
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