10+ Meatloaf Recipes Easy and Delicious for Busy Weeknights

If you’re after a meal that’s both tasty and simple, meatloaf is hard to beat. It’s that classic comfort food—easy to whip up and always a hit.

Easy meatloaf recipes let you pull together dinner with minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have. That’s a big win for busy weeknights.

A few basic steps, a handful of ingredients, and you’ve got a hearty meal. No need to be a chef—meatloaf is forgiving, and you can tweak it to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Bake for 60 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

1) Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Want classic meatloaf? Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, and a few seasonings. The real magic is in the glaze—a sweet, tangy ketchup topping with brown sugar and a splash of vinegar.

Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it cook until the glaze bubbles up. That shiny top is pure comfort.

Pair it with mashed potatoes or veggies. It’s a cozy meal that never lets you down.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for the glaze.
5. Spread half the glaze on the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.
7. Add the remaining glaze and bake 15 minutes more.
8. Let it rest before slicing.

More glaze tips at The Wholesome Dish.

2) Easy Juicy Ground Beef Meatloaf

This one’s all about juicy, tender meatloaf with barely any fuss. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a packet of onion soup mix do all the heavy lifting.

A tomato-based glaze on top brings a little sweet-tangy kick. It’s fast to prep and totally customizable.

Serve it with whatever sides you love. I usually go for mashed potatoes or something green.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup ketchup (divided)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and onion soup mix.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Spread half the ketchup on top of the loaf.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Remove and spread remaining ketchup on top.
7. Bake an additional 10 minutes before serving.

3) Sweet and Tangy Glazed Meatloaf

If you like a little sweet and tangy in your dinner, this meatloaf nails it. The glaze—ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire—gives it a shiny, sticky finish.

Mix up ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, and the usual suspects. Shape it, glaze it, and let the flavors soak in while it bakes.

It comes out juicy every time. I like it with roasted veggies, but honestly, anything works.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf on a baking pan.
4. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
5. Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, then spread remaining glaze.
7. Bake another 15 minutes until cooked through.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

More glaze ideas? Try this classic meatloaf glaze recipe.

4) Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies

Pairing meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies is a no-brainer. It’s classic, filling, and honestly, just hits the spot when you want something homey.

The meatloaf stays moist thanks to milk, breadcrumbs, and onion. While it bakes, you can get the potatoes boiling and veggies steaming.

I usually go for broccoli or carrots, but whatever’s in the fridge works. This is the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel a little more special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (beef or a mix)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large potatoes
• 1 cup broccoli or carrots
• 2 tbsp butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ground meat, milk, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15 minutes).
6. Mash potatoes with butter and a splash of milk.
7. Steam your choice of veggies until tender.
8. Serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies on the side.

5) Simple Pantry Staple Meatloaf

Got ground beef and a few pantry basics? You can make meatloaf. Breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic and onion powder—nothing fancy.

A little ketchup or tomato paste keeps it moist and adds flavor. I like to mix it all by hand for the best texture.

Bake it slow and steady, and you’ll end up with a tender, satisfying loaf.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Bake for 60 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.

6) Oven-Baked Meatloaf Without Loaf Pan

No loaf pan? No problem. Just shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a rimmed, parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking it this way gives you a nice crust and lets extra fat drain off. I like to slather some ketchup or BBQ sauce on top for that crispy, flavorful finish.

Check with a thermometer—160°F (71°C) inside is your goal. Give it a few minutes to rest before slicing so it stays juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf on parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Spread extra ketchup on top if desired.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

7) Quick Prep Meatloaf with Onion Soup Mix

Need something super quick? Onion soup mix is your friend. It packs in flavor and saves you from chopping and seasoning.

Just mix ground beef, soup mix, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Shape, glaze with ketchup, and bake.

It’s about as easy as meatloaf gets. I’d call it a weeknight lifesaver.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion soup mix, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Spread ketchup over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake for 60 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

8) Best Homemade Tender Meatloaf

You want your meatloaf tender and packed with flavor. This one keeps it simple, using just a handful of everyday ingredients to lock in the juiciness.

A classic tomato glaze sits on top, bringing a bit of sweetness and tang. No fancy gadgets needed here—just your hands, a bowl, and a pan.

Mix everything together, shape it by hand, and pop it in the oven. Soon your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.

Pair it with mashed potatoes or maybe some steamed veggies if you’re feeling healthy. This recipe works for beginners and folks who’ve been making meatloaf for years.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
3. Mix gently, shape it into a loaf, and set it in your baking pan.
4. Spread ketchup over the top—don’t be shy.
5. Bake for about an hour, or until it’s cooked through.
6. Let it hang out for 10 minutes before you slice it up.

Want more detail? Check out the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe.

9) Southern Style Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

This Southern style old-fashioned meatloaf brings cozy, familiar flavors to your table. It’s all about ground beef, onions, bell peppers, eggs, and oats for that perfect moist texture.

Bake it at 375°F (190°C) until it’s done. If you like, throw a tomato glaze on top for a little extra zing.

Just mix everything well, shape it into a loaf, and bake it in your favorite dish. It’s classic Southern taste with barely any fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oats
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ground beef, onion, bell pepper, egg, oats, salt, pepper, and tomatoes in a bowl.
3. Shape the mix into a loaf and drop it in your baking dish.
4. Bake for about an hour, or until cooked through.
5. Let it rest a few minutes before you dig in.

Craving more details? Check out Old-Fashioned, Southern Meatloaf or Basic Meat Loaf Recipe.

10) Meatloaf with Sticky Caramelized Topping

You know that moment when you slice into a meatloaf and the top is all glossy and sticky? That’s what this recipe is all about. The caramelized topping brings a sweet, savory punch and just looks so inviting.

I love how the glaze keeps everything moist underneath. It’s got that shine that makes you want to dive right in.

Inside, the meatloaf stays tender but doesn’t fall apart. You can get this on the table in under an hour, which is honestly a lifesaver on busy nights.

The glaze caramelizes perfectly and plays off the beef in a way that’s just… right. You probably have all the ingredients already, so there’s no need for a grocery run.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape it into a loaf and drop it in a baking pan.
4. Stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the topping.
5. Spread that sticky mixture all over the loaf.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes so the top gets caramelized and the loaf cooks through.
7. Let it rest about 10 minutes before you slice it up.

You can find more details on this easy meatloaf with sticky topping at I Heart Naptime.