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The best easy meatloaf recipe

The Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe

This easy meatloaf recipe turns out moist every single time! Made with chopped tomatoes and onion and the most delicious topping!

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword comfort food, dinner, easy dinner, meat, meatloaf, nostalgic food
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
cool time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ground black pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon
  • 1 cup chopped onion, I recommend a sweet onion Vidalia or Walla Walla
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 8 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce recommended, but not necessary
  • ½ cup quick-cooking oats

Topping:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Meat:

  1. Place meatloaf ingredients into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. If mixing by hand, use a large spatula to mix. If using a stand mixer (this is how I do it) place in bowl and turn the mixer on low using the paddle attachment. It will take less than one minute to mix the ingredients.

  2. Mix all meat loaf ingredients well, shape and place in a loaf pan or baking dish*

Topping:

  1. Mix ingredients for topping and spread on top of the meat.

  2. Bake for 1 hour on middle rack at 375 degrees uncovered.

  3. After removing from oven, run a knife around the edges. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, then remove from pan with spatula and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • For easy of cleaning and lifting the meat out of the baking pan, I line the pans with parchment paper. When the meat is done, let sit, then lift out of the pan to serving plate. Discard paper.
  • When doubling this recipe (which I do almost every time!) I use a 14.5 oz can of chopped tomatoes for a double recipe. 
  • The topping can also be made with grainy, honey or spicy mustard.
  • I have also made this into mini loaves (see photos). They bake up a little faster if made into 2 mini loaves. I bake at same temperature for about 45-50 minutes. 
  • For the best leftovers in the world, heat thick slices of meatloaf in microwave. Add a slice or grated cheese to the top in the last few seconds of heating. Toast bread, spread with mayo, place warmed meatloaf on top of bread and enjoy!