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
- Preheat: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is non-negotiable for even cooking and a glossy glaze.
- 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.
- 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.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top.
- 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.

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



