Classic Meatloaf (35-40 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. This hearty dish consists of ground meat mixed with various seasonings and ingredients, then baked to perfection. The result is a moist and flavorful loaf that pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. Yum!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  4. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  5. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content, or mix it with ground turkey for a healthier option. Also, be careful not to overmix the ingredients as it can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Mix until just combined. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice. Serve the meatloaf with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling peeled and diced potatoes until they're fork-tender. While they're cooking, gently sauté minced garlic in some butter or olive oil until it's golden but not burnt - this mellows out the sharpness and infuses the butter with garlicky goodness. Drain the potatoes, then mash them up. Add the garlic-infused butter, a splash of milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper. Whip everything together until smooth, or leave a few lumps if you prefer. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives.

Cranberry Sauce

Grab a bag of fresh or frozen cranberries and toss them into a saucepan. Add in some sugar (or honey for a natural twist) to balance out the tartness. For a deeper flavor profile, zest and juice an orange into the mix. As everything simmers together on medium heat, the cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken. Feel free to adjust the sweetness as you go. Once it's reached your desired consistency, let it cool down. The sauce will continue to gel as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish, and voilà, you have a homemade cranberry sauce that's both zesty and sweet.

Sautéed Green Beans

Begin by snapping the ends off your fresh green beans, giving them a quick rinse. In a pan, heat up a bit of olive oil or butter—whichever your heart desires. Once it's shimmering and hot, toss in those green beans, letting them sizzle and dance in the pan. A sprinkle of salt and a crack of black pepper elevate their natural taste. Sauté until they're bright green and just tender, with some lovely golden-brown spots. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in a minced garlic clove or two in the last couple of minutes.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich (20 Minutes)

Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas (30 Minutes)

Refreshing Panzanella Salad (15 Minutes)

Eggplant Rollatini (30-35 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!