Name: Quick & Easy Beef Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; For the glaze:; 1/3 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Quick & Easy Beef Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food, made simple for everyday cooking. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly moist, with a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, homestyle dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meatloaf recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic flavor and quick preparation. It’s ready in just over an hour and uses pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The texture is tender, not dense, and the two-layer glaze ensures every bite has a sweet-savory finish. It also reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared sheet or press it into a loaf pan.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and return to the oven for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal

Variations

Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a richer loaf.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce to the meat mixture or glaze.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Turkey Option: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version—just reduce baking time slightly.
Herb Upgrade: Use fresh parsley or add thyme or oregano for more aromatic flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per slice or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What type of beef is best for meatloaf?

An 85/15 ground beef blend is ideal—it offers enough fat for moisture without being greasy.

Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh breadcrumbs can be used. Just ensure they’re not too moist, or the loaf may be too soft.

Do I need to cook the onions beforehand?

Not for this recipe. Finely chopping them ensures they cook through during baking.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?

Using the correct ratio of meat to binder (breadcrumbs and eggs) is key. Don’t skip the resting time before slicing.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the loaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) internal temperature means it’s fully cooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just divide it into two loaves and adjust baking time as needed.

What can I serve with meatloaf?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or buttered corn.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify your condiments are gluten-free.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer, try topping it with barbecue sauce instead.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Beef Meatloaf is a reliable, satisfying dinner option with timeless appeal. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a perfectly balanced glaze, it’s everything a classic meatloaf should be—made even better by its simplicity. Keep this recipe in your rotation for effortless weeknight dinners or nostalgic comfort food cravings.

Quick & Easy Beef Meatloaf

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Mia
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A classic comfort food favorite made simple—this beef meatloaf is juicy, tender, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared sheet or press it into the loaf pan.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half the glaze over the top of the loaf.
Bake for 40 minutes. Remove, spread remaining glaze, and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.