Description
A cheap, easy, and tender meatloaf recipe that uses simple pantry staples like stale bread and brown sugar ketchup glaze to ensure it stays moist and flavorful without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or 2–3 slices stale white bread)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup (divided)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, 1/2 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Add breadcrumbs, diced onion, salt, and pepper to the wet mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Add ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently fold the meat into the mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a loaf (approx. 9×4 inches) with a slightly convex top.
- Bake the plain loaf for 40 minutes.
- While baking, mix the glaze by combining the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional) in a small bowl.
- Remove the loaf from the oven, brush or spoon the glaze over the top, and return to the oven for 10 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice thickly (about 1/2 inch) and serve with pan juices.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. You can substitute stale bread for breadcrumbs. For leftovers, save pan drippings to add moisture when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: meatloaf, budget recipes, cheap dinner, never dry meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy family meals, ground beef recipes