This 5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs recipe may be short on ingredients, but it is loaded with flavor. Perfect family dinner!.
Okay, so you may think that meatloaf is boring, but this 5-ingredient Easy Meatloaf recipe is incredibly tasty despite having just five ingredients! I just adore this delicious loaf of goodness Since there are no breadcrumbs, there’s no need for them to soak up the juices, keeping the meat really moist. Plus, it’s gluten free!
Are you craving a comforting and delicious meatloaf but trying to avoid the extra carbs from breadcrumbs? Don’t worry, this recipe has you covered! This easy classic meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a low-carb alternative that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also delivers a moist and flavorful meatloaf that will have you coming back for seconds. So, ditch the breadcrumbs and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal.
What You’ll Need:
- Ground beef: For this recipe, I recommend using 90/10 ground beef to ensure a moist and juicy meatloaf. Leaner ground beef can sometimes result in a drier texture.
- Eggs: The eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together in the absence of breadcrumbs.
- Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory notes and adds depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic salt, and parsley flakes add a burst of flavor to the meatloaf.
- Diced onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the meatloaf.
Optional Ingredients:
- Italian seasoning: For an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a pungent and slightly spicy kick.
- Diced green pepper or red pepper: Adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness.
- Lipton onion soup mix: A convenient way to add a variety of seasonings to the meatloaf.
- Minced garlic: For a more intense garlic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven heats up, place your loaf pan inside to preheat it as well.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic salt, parsley flakes, Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, and any additional desired ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Carefully remove the preheated loaf pan from the oven and lightly spray it with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Gently press the meatloaf mixture into the pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and pressed against the sides.
- Place the meatloaf pan back in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- After the 30 minutes are up, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Don’t worry if you see some grease; it will help keep the meatloaf moist.
- Spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface of the meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes at 375°F.
- To ensure the meatloaf is cooked through, use a digital or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F.
Serving Suggestions:
This delicious meatloaf pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Mashed potato cakes
- Cheesy potato casserole
- Zucchini casserole
- Jiffy cornbread hush puppies
- Homemade creamed corn
Additional Tips:
- Freezing: You can easily freeze this meatloaf before cooking. Simply mix all the ingredients, shape the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before baking.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of any additional ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use.
Can I add other vegetables to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Diced mushrooms, green pepper, or onion are great additions to the meatloaf. They add moisture and prevent the meat from becoming too dense
Can I make this meatloaf in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a different pan, but make sure it’s oven-safe and large enough to accommodate the meatloaf mixture.
How can I tell if the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is to use a digital or meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Making a delicious and moist meatloaf without breadcrumbs is easy and rewarding. This recipe provides a simple and flavorful option that is perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!
PREP FOR YOUR EASY MEATLOAF!
If you purchase the parmesan already grated, the only preparation required in advance for this Easy Meatloaf is chopping the onion. I like a larger dice, but you can dice it finely to blend in more.
It really is just 5 simple ingredients (plus salt, pepper, oil). The ingredients are lean, grass-fed ground beef, onion, parmesan cheese, ketchup, and an egg. That’s it! I urge you to try making your own ketchup using honey. Check out this recipe for homemade ketchup, which is delicious and incredibly simple to make, though you can certainly use store-bought ingredients!
TIP: Dice several onions ahead of time and freeze them in a storage bag! The onions will already be soft from being frozen and cook beautifully! Are you worried about crunchy onions in your loaf? Or, do you not have a fresh onion on hand? You also always have freshly frozen onion on hand!.
With the exception of the ketchup saved for the loaf’s top, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl with salt and pepper. Use a large fork or your hands to mix everything together.
Form the ground meat mixture into a loaf and place into a loaf pan. I like to line the loaf pan with aluminum foil so that it is easy to remove in one piece when it is done, is you simply lift it out by the sides. Spread the remaining ketchup over the top evenly.
MAKE AHEAD OR EVEN FREEZE
The best part (aside from the amazing taste) is that this is only 5 simple ingredients and you can make it ahead and Freeze before cooking! I like to double up the recipe and then make one meatloaf to cook and eat and the other to freeze. For more fantastic ways to use your Freezer to prepare food ahead and make it last longer, check out this printable cheat sheet with 10 Freezer Hacks to make easy dinners!