Best Quick and Easy Meatloaf

If you’re someone who is always on the go and want to make a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t require too much time and effort, you’re going to love our Best Quick and Easy Meatloaf Recipe. We are sharing our family favorite meatloaf recipe, which is fast and straightforward to make, yet bursting with flavor. 

Get ready to test the limits with these thrilling Meatloaf Recipes; who knows what culinary masterpieces you could create!

Family Favorite Meatloaf Recipe- made quick and easy.

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Meatloaf is a classic American dish that is adored by many for its delicious taste and ease of preparation. It’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed on its own, used as a sandwich filling, or paired with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. 

With our incredible selection of Meatloaf Glazes, give your meatloaf some flair! We have a variety of delectable sauces that will elevate your meatloaf to new heights.

Quick Meatloaf Ingredients:

  • Ground Chuck- The right amount of fat in the meat is important, but not too much. Your meatloaf will stay juicy and retain some moisture as a result, without becoming overly greasy. 
  • Tomato Soup
  • Eggs
  • Ritz Crackers– Most meatloaf recipes include a filler or binding agent. Whether it’s to make sure your meatloaf stretches or for texture, fillers really do contribute to making a meatloaf taste great and stay in one piece. 
  • Garlic Powder
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Minced Onion

How To Make Quick Easy Meatloaf?

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients. Place the mixture in a loaf pan. Press the surface lightly with your palm to flatten the top.
  • Add ½ cup of ketchup to the top of the meat mixture.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 25 minutes. 
  • Ten minutes before finished remove the meatloaf from the oven and cover with the remaining ½ cup of ketchup. 
  • Place back into the oven.Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The center should be at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking so that it holds together better while slicing.

Easy Side Dishes:

Why Is My Meatloaf Still Pink Inside?

There’s nothing quite as unsettling as slicing into your homemade masterpiece only to find that the center is still pink. Don’t panic just yet! Believe it or not, cooked ground beef can still appear pink inside, even if it’s safe to eat. 

The reason for this lies in the presence of a protein called myoglobin. When heated, myoglobin can give off a pink or red hue, leading to the perception of undercooked meat. 

So, the next time you pull your meatloaf out of the oven and see a bit of pink in the middle, take a deep breath and know that you’ve done everything right.

Easy Dessert Recipes:

Family Favorite Meatloaf Recipe- made quick and easy.

Tips For The Best Quick and Easy Meatloaf

  • To make a meatloaf that is incredibly moist and luscious, use 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef. Simply use 90/10 and increase the amount of canned tomatoes in the recipe if you don’t want the meatloaf to be overly greasy.  
  • As much as possible, use fresh ground beef. Less natural juices are present in beef that has already been frozen and thawed.
  • Ritz crackers are used in this recipe to keep the meat together, but other options include breadcrumbs, oats, crushed cornflakes, flaxseed, and quinoa.
  • Even though this meatloaf is already mouthwatering, you may add additional flavor by flavoring it with Worcestershire sauce, Italian spice, thyme, and smoky paprika.
  • Additionally, crumbled cheddar or pepper jack cheese adds a ton of flavor. 
  • The meat should not be overmixed to avoid a dense meatloaf. Just enough hand mixing is required to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients.
  • The baking temps for meatloaf recipes range from 325 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that when the meatloaf is finished cooking, the internal temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To determine whether meat is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. When the middle of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the oven. 
  • Prior to slicing, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. By allowing the meatloaf and its liquids to settle, you can keep it from crumbling when you slice it.

Cooking Tools You Might Need:

HONGBAKE Meatloaf Pan with Drain Tray, 9 x 5 Inches Loaf Pans with Insert, Nonstick Meat Loaf for Baking, Reduce the Fat and Kick Up the Flavor, GreyHONGBAKE Meatloaf Pan with Drain Tray, 9 x 5 Inches Loaf Pans with Insert, Nonstick Meat Loaf for Baking, Reduce the Fat and Kick Up the Flavor, GreyHONGBAKE Meatloaf Pan with Drain Tray, 9 x 5 Inches Loaf Pans with Insert, Nonstick Meat Loaf for Baking, Reduce the Fat and Kick Up the Flavor, GreyUSA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Meat Loaf Pan with InsertUSA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Meat Loaf Pan with InsertUSA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Meat Loaf Pan with InsertEmile Henry Modern Classic Loaf Pan, 10 x 5.8 x 3.1 inches, SugarEmile Henry Modern Classic Loaf Pan, 10 x 5.8 x 3.1 inches, SugarEmile Henry Modern Classic Loaf Pan, 10 x 5.8 x 3.1 inches, SugarHAOTOP Porcelain Nonstick Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 8.5 x 5 Inch, WhiteHAOTOP Porcelain Nonstick Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 8.5 x 5 Inch, WhiteHAOTOP Porcelain Nonstick Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 8.5 x 5 Inch, White

 

This easy meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, when you want to make a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are readily available in your pantry, and it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. 

Plus, you can customize the recipe to your liking by adding extra spices, herbs, or vegetables. 

This meatloaf is so delicious and comforting that your family and friends will keep asking for it, and it’s a great option for meal prep or leftovers. So give this recipe a try and enjoy a classic American dish that never goes out of style!

Family Favorite Meatloaf Recipe- made quick and easy.

Best Quick and Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, try our Best Quick and Easy Meatloaf Recipe! Get all the details on how to make this family favorite right here.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground chuck
  • 1 can tomato Soup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, Crumbled
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Minced Onion, dried

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients. Place the mixture in a loaf pan. Press the surface lightly with your palm to flatten the top.
  3. Add ½ cup of ketchup to the top of the meat mixture.
  4. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 25 minutes. 
  5. Ten minutes before finished remove the meatloaf from the oven and cover with the remaining ½ cup of ketchup. 
  6. Place back into the oven.Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The center should be at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking so that it holds together better while slicing.

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