Easy Meatloaf Recipe

4.50 from 16 votes

A traditional classic Easy Meatloaf Recipe! This meatloaf is tender, juicy and really flavorful! It's satisfying and extremely easy to make!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 402kcal

Heat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet or a baking dish with aluminum foil.
Prepare meatloaf mixture: Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well using your clean hands. Do not over mix the ingredients to avoid creating a dense loaf.
Shape loaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet or baking dish. Shape it into a loaf roughly 9 inches by 5 inches. If using a loaf pan, just pat the meatloaf mixture into the pan.
Add ketchup: Spread ¼ cup of the ketchup mixture over the meatloaf and reserve the other ¼ cup for later.
Bake: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then spread with the remaining ¼ cup of ketchup. Bake the loaf for another 10 to 15 minutes (about 1 hour total), until the middle of the loaf registers at least 155°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Cool before slicing: Let the loaf cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. If you baked your meatloaf in a loaf pan, carefully drain off the liquid fat before transferring the meatloaf to a cutting board. Cut into thick slices and serve.

When mixing ingredients together, just mix them all together until everything is just combined. Do not to over mix the ingredients, since this could cause the loaf to be dense.
Always line your baking sheet with aluminum foil. I love this method because you're not dirtying up any loaf pans or baking sheets.
The best temperature to cook the meatloaf at is 350°F and it requires about 1 hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on size and shape. 1 hour should be more than enough for a 2 pound meatloaf.
Do not cut into the meatloaf right away, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This will ensure it doesn't fall apart and it will retain all its juices.
The most important step to making a great tasting meatloaf, if I do say so myself, is to brush the top of the loaf with ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce. This really does add a lot of flavor to the meatloaf.
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
You can also freeze it, either in individual slices, wrapped up tightly in plastic wrap or wrap up the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped up slices or loaf into a large freezer bag and freeze.