This Quick Easy Meatloaf recipe is a basic recipe that many people enjoy. There are several different ways to make a meatloaf. I think to make it called a meatloaf, the recipe needs a sauce on top, a filler and eggs in with the ground beef. There are still so many different variations it is difficult to determine what is a standard meatloaf recipe. Did it originate with a tomato sauce on top or was it a gravy sauce on the top? Should it have breadcrumbs, crackers, or oatmeal for the filler? There are so many delicious options out there. If you don’t like one, please, try another recipe that is more your family’s tastes.
This recipe is my mother’s recipe. I grew up on this recipe and until adulthood, I never realized there were so many other ways to make meatloaf. One thing that I do like about my mom’s recipe, is it has basic ingredients that you likely have on hand. The ingredients are also very cost effective. There is nothing too expense or unique in it.
The Ingredients
I use at least an 80% lean ground beef or higher. I just prefer a leaner meat. I have family members that have use ground game meat, such as deer, as well.
I use the old-fashioned oatmeal and not the quick oatmeal. There is a difference between the two. The quick oatmeal is more ground and intended to cook up quicker. Because of this, quick oatmeal absorbs moisture quicker and can create a different texture of meatloaf.
The egg and milk are very standard and are necessary. The milk gives it more moisture, and the egg helps bind it all together. The other ingredients such as the diced onions or onion flakes, and thyme could be omitted if you wanted. These ingredients are easy enough to modify to suit your family’s tastes.
Mixing It
I will coat the loaf pan in cooking spray and mix the meatloaf directly in the loaf pan that I plan on baking it in. I like fewer dirty dishes. However, if I was going to take it to a potluck where my quests would see the pan, I’d mix it in a bowl and then put it in the pan to bake. I like the cleaner pan edges for them guests to see.
I usually mix the sauce in a small bowl and then spread it on top. Sometimes I will make a larger batch of the sauce and keep it in the fridge. It just helps it g quicker the next time or two that I make the meatloaf.
Baking It
I bake it uncovered in a 350 degree preheated oven. Remove it an let it sit for about 10 minutes before eating. It works great to serve with baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes. They cook about as long and there is room in the oven.
However you decide to make your meatloaf, this recipe for Quick Easy Meatloaf is a dish that has been around for several generations and there is a recipe out there that is sure to suit even the pickiest eaters. I’m encouraging you to just give it a try.
Happy Cooking!
Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef, 80% lean or greater
- ¾ cup Old fashioned oatmeal
- ¼ cup Diced onion, optional
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ cup Milk
- ⅛ tsp Thyme, optional
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat the loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Mix together the ground beef, oatmeal, egg, milk, thyme, onion, and salt & pepper to taste. Press the mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan.
- Make the sauce by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and the mustard. Spread over the top of the unbaked meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 1 hour or until done. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.
