Best Meatloaf
There’s a certain comfort that comes from a homemade meatloaf, and this recipe is sure to become a cherished family favorite. With its tender texture and hearty flavor, it’s a classic dish that brings back memories of cozy dinners at the kitchen table. The combination of savory ground beef with a medley of fresh ingredients gives it an irresistible appeal, making it perfect for family gatherings, meal prep for the week ahead, or simply warming up on a chilly night. Readers will love how easily this dish comes together, delivering delicious results every time.
Whether it’s accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, or a zesty salad, this meatloaf stands out as not just food, but a heartfelt meal. The comforting aroma it fills your kitchen with as it bakes will draw your family in, ready to savor every bite.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Gathering fresh ingredients is the first step to making this delicious meatloaf.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced green peppers, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and carefully place it into a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the center is no longer pink.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it hold its shape.
Tips & Variations
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Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
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Optional Variations: Add in your favorite herbs like parsley or Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor. For a twist, try adding shredded cheese or cooked bacon pieces into the mixture.
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Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Best Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced green peppers, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and carefully place it into a baking dish.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the center is no longer pink.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it hold its shape.