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Easy Budget Meatloaf Recipe With Step by Step Instructions for Hearty Family Meals

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A straightforward, budget-friendly meatloaf recipe that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family meals. Uses simple pantry staples and is forgiving and flexible for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 3/4 cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, or crushed crackers)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind, including dairy-free alternatives)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup (half for meat mixture, half for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil blend)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the mixture.
  4. Mix in half of the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan and press down lightly to shape evenly.
  7. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or juices run clear.
  9. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep texture tender. Use fresh onions and garlic for best flavor. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling. Variations include adding grated vegetables, using ground turkey or chicken, and substituting breadcrumbs for gluten-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, easy meatloaf, budget meatloaf, family meals, comfort food, ground beef recipe, quick dinner

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-budget-meatloaf-recipe-with-step-by-step-instructions-for-hearty-family-meals/