Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf

You’re not here to babysit dinner—you’re here to get it done. This Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf is a one-pan, weeknight hero with fast prep, a moist, tender crumb, and a tangy ketchup glaze that turns glossy and caramelized in the oven. Need an easy side? Try ultra-comforting cheesy rice to catch all those juices.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • Fast, low-lift prep: 10 minutes to mix and glaze, then the oven handles the rest.
  • Moist every time: 80/20 ground beef, milk, and eggs keep the loaf tender—not dry.
  • Craveable glaze: Ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard bake into a sweet-tangy shell.
  • Forgiving & flexible: Missing breadcrumbs? See swaps below. A little imprecise with measurements? You’ll still get a great loaf.

Ingredients

Mix with your hands for the best texture—quick, gentle, and oddly therapeutic.

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is non-negotiable for even cooking and a glossy glaze.
  2. Mix the loaf: In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t knead.
  3. Shape: Transfer to a 9×5-inch loaf pan for a classic shape, or form a free-form loaf on a rimmed baking sheet for extra caramelized edges.
  4. Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Bake 55–65 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer in the center reads 160°F (71°C). Rest 10 minutes so juices settle before slicing.

Tips & Variations

  • Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat makes it dense. Fold just until everything looks combined.
  • Pan vs. sheet: A loaf pan gives height and classic slices; a sheet pan loaf has more browned edges and faster cook time.
  • Extra glaze: Double the glaze and brush more on during the last 10 minutes.
  • Cheesy twist: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar for a melty, kid-friendly loaf.
  • BBQ bump: Swap half the ketchup for BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for a mild kick.
Slice of Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf with potatoes and green beans
Pile on simple sides and call dinner done.

Substitutions

  • No breadcrumbs? Use 1 cup rolled oats, crushed saltines, panko, or even 3/4 cup cooked rice. Aim for similar moisture absorption.
  • Gluten-free: Use GF breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers.
  • Protein blend: Mix ground beef with ground pork or veal for a classic-style loaf. Curious about store-bought blends? Read is meatloaf mix actually good?
  • Lean meat: If using 90/10, add 2 tbsp olive oil or an extra egg to keep it tender.

Serving Suggestions

Keep it classic with mashed potatoes and green beans, or pair your Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf with simple sides you can make while it bakes: crispy skillet veg, a green salad, or these crispy air-fryer potatoes . For potlucks, a chilled side like Italian pasta salad travels well. Want another beefy comfort dish for later this week? See our best meatloaf recipe ever for a Sunday-worthy version.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Cool completely. Store slices in an airtight container up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic and foil or place in freezer bags up to 3 months. Label with date.
  • Reheat: Microwave until warm, or bake covered at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Brush on a spoonful of ketchup or BBQ sauce if you like it saucy.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Budget-friendly: Feeds a crowd with basic pantry staples.
  • Meal-prep gold: Make it on Sunday and pack easy sandwiches all week.
  • Customizable: From binders to glazes to mix-ins, this base recipe is ready for your spin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing: Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
  • Skipping the rest: A 10-minute rest locks in juices and clean slices.
  • Guessing doneness: Use a thermometer; pull at 160°F in the center.

FAQ

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Shape the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it starts cold.

Why is my meatloaf dry?

Usually too-lean beef, overmixing, or overbaking. Stick with 80/20, mix gently, and bake to 160°F—no higher.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Rolled oats, crushed crackers, panko, or cooked rice make great binders that soak up moisture and keep slices sturdy.

What sides go best?

Potatoes, a crisp salad, or buttered noodles are classics. For a sweet finish, bake an easy apple crisp while the loaf rests.

More to Try

Conclusion

When dinner needs to be easy and dependable, this Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf delivers: quick to prep, juicy inside, and finished with that glossy, tangy glaze everyone loves. Slice, serve, and relax—weeknight victory unlocked.

Print
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Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf sliced with glossy ketchup glaze

Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf is your weeknight dinner MVP—juicy, tender, and glazed with a tangy-sweet ketchup topping that bakes to a glossy finish. Quick to prep, endlessly flexible, and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard

Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer with WiFi 


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix beef, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Transfer mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape free-form on a rimmed baking sheet.
  4. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread glaze over the loaf.
  5. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest loaf. Don’t overmix the meat. Resting before slicing helps keep it moist and easy to serve.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: meatloaf, easy dinner, ground beef, comfort food, quick prep

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