If you love meatloaf, then this Easy Meatloaf Recipe is for you! I’ve been making it this way for more than 20 years and have served it at family dinners, potlucks, parties, family events, and more, and it always gets rave reviews! Honestly a delicious and Easy Meatloaf Recipe, give this one a try – I bet you love it as much as I do!

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is so good, y’all, and I just love how moist and tender and juicy it is – every time!

I’ve been making it this way for more than 20 years, ever since discovering a similar recipe in Naomi Judd’s cookbook. I made a few tweaks to it (what cook doesn’t?), and it is better than ever.

The Best Meatloaf

I’m not bragging when I say this is the best meatloaf recipe – I mean it!

I’ve tried a LOT of meatloaf recipes but always come back to this one. Why mess with a good thing?

I love that it is tender and juicy, and the sauce on top is just right. There’s extra flavor from the onion and green bell pepper, and it cooks low and slow so that all the flavors come together.

This isn’t a quick meatloaf (but it is EASY to make!). It’ll take some time to cook in the oven but trust me, it is so worth it!

I challenge you to find a more tender and juicy meatloaf out there! It’s so good the next day; it makes the best meatloaf sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love My Easy Recipe for Meatloaf

Simple Ingredients: This easy meatloaf recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Comfort Food: This recipe brings all the cozy, homey feelings right to your table, perfect for family dinners.
Easy to Make: This easy meatloaf recipe is straightforward, even for beginners.
Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy it the next day by making sandwiches using sliced meatloaf, like my Meatloaf Grilled Cheese.
Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and freeze it in a freezer bag, ready to pop in the oven on a busy night.
Pairs Well with Sides: Serve it with creamed potatoes, crack green beans, mac and cheese, or your favorite side dishes.
Guaranteed Rave Reviews: Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this meatloaf recipe is sure to earn you rave reviews. Its perfect blend of flavors and textures makes it the best classic meatloaf recipe out there. Have this amazing homemade meatloaf recipe handy – you will get asked for it (please refer them to my site!).

Easy Meatloaf Ingredients

There are two special ingredients in this recipe—saltines and breakfast sausage. Yes, the addition of breakfast sausage might sound weird, but you have to trust me on this, y’all! Just try it and you’ll become a believer.

Coarsely Crushed Saltines: Coarsely crushed. You can put them in a plastic bag and roll them with a rolling pin to break them up. The saltines hold so much moisture in the meatloaf so you lock in all the juices instead of cooking it all out.
Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps ensure your meatloaf isn’t greasy. Don’t worry, you’ll add some extra fat from the sausage.
Breakfast Sausage: Adding this to your meat mixture give it some great flavor and a slight fat content that makes for a juicy meatloaf. Trust me, don’t leave this out!
Egg: Works as a binder, holding all the ingredients together so your meatloaf doesn’t fall apart.
Onions, Diced: These add a subtle sweetness and texture to the meatloaf, enhancing the overall taste. Use whatever type you have on hand (I normally use yellow onions).
Green Pepper, Diced: For those who like a bit of crunch and freshness in their meatloaf, green peppers are a great addition.
Ketchup: Adds moisture and a tangy sweetness to the meat mixture. You’ll add a little bit to the meat mixture and use some to create a meatloaf glaze for the top of the meatloaf. Mixing a little brown sugar into the ketchup before spreading it on the meatloaf can add a sweet kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds umami, a deep savory flavor, to the meatloaf.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

How To Make The Best And Easiest Meatloaf Recipe

This is a simple meatloaf recipe that just uses one large mixing bowl and a 13x9x2-inch baking pan or a meatloaf pan.

Preheat your oven to 325-F.
Mix the saltines, ground beef, breakfast sausage, diced onions, diced bell pepper, and all BUT ½ a cup of ketchup in a bowl.
Put the meat mixture into a loaf pan or a 13x9x2-inch baking dish and form it into a loaf shape.
Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and add the remaining ketchup to the top of the meatloaf.
Bake an additional 60 minutes, then let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Flavor Variations & Substitutions

Substitute Saltines with Bread Crumbs: If you’re out of saltines or prefer a different texture, bread crumbs are a great alternative.
Use Turkey for a Leaner Option: Swapping lean ground beef with ground turkey can make your meatloaf lighter and lower in fat.
Add Ground Pork: Replace some of the ground beef with ground pork. Just keep in mind that the breakfast sausage is also pork.
Add Garlic Powder for Extra Flavor: Incorporating a teaspoon of garlic powder into the meat mixture can elevate the flavors of your meatloaf.
Mix in BBQ Sauce for a Smoky Twist: Instead of topping your meatloaf with ketchup, try using BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy glaze.
Add Some Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the ketchup glaze before adding to the meatloaf for a sweeter touch or some diced jalapenos to give it a spicy kick.
Tex-Mex Variation: Mix equal parts salsa and ketchup to give the glaze a Tex-Mex feel.

Meatloaf Recipe Tips

Cook with Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the meatloaf out after cooking. This simple step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Don’t Overwork the Meatloaf Mixture: Mix it only until it is combined. Overmixing could lead to tough, dense meatloaf.
Make a Free-Form Loaf: Instead of using a loaf pan, try shaping your meat mixture into a free-form loaf on a rimmed baking sheet.
Let the Meatloaf Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is important so that all the juices stay locked inside.

What To Serve With This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

This delicious meatloaf goes with so many different side dishes, and don’t forget this amazing peach cake for dessert! Here are some of my favorite sides to go with meatloaf:

Storage

Leftover meatloaf can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Heat leftover slices in the microwave or in a foil-covered baking dish at 325-F until heated through. I love to make these meatloaf grilled cheese sandwiches with my meatloaf leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook meatloaf?

This recipe cooks for nearly 2 hours, but there’s a good reason for that. By cooking it at a lower temperature, it stays moister and more tender – and won’t dry out! Cooking meat low and slow makes the meat juicier!

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Adding 1 egg will help bind the meatloaf and keep it from falling apart. The saltines will also help by mixing with the meat and absorbing the juices, which will help to keep the meat in a loaf shape.

Can you freeze meatloaf?

Yes, you sure can! Freeze slices by wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap and then tucking them into a zipper-top bag. They’ll be fine in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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