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A freshly baked simple meatloaf for beginners, golden brown and ready to serve.

Classic Simple Meatloaf for Beginners

This classic simple meatloaf recipe is perfect for beginners, offering a comforting and delicious meal with minimal fuss. Made with common ingredients and straightforward steps, it's an ideal dish for a hearty family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs white breadcrumbs work best
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup finely minced onion
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup plus 1/4 cup for topping
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce plus a dash for topping
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional, for topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Add breadcrumbs and minced onion to the wet mixture, stirring briefly to combine.
  4. Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Form the mixture into a free-form loaf shape (about 8-9 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high) directly on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
  1. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 teaspoon brown sugar (if using) and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, then spread this generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
Serving
  1. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  2. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a moister meatloaf, ensure you don't overmix the ingredients. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is crucial for a juicy result.