Easy to make traditional Meatloaf

This Traditional Meatloaf recipe is just like mom used to make, made with ground beef. Meatloaf is a quick and easy meal. It could almost be considered as a shelf-cooking type of meal, as you can even add any vegetable to your meatloaf. Ground beef mixed with Gluten-Free breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and seasonings produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf.

You can make Meatloaf recipes in under 60 minutes.  No big preps, not much mess in the kitchen, and just quick dinner on a plate. Do you feel like every cook has their “OWN” Traditional Meatloaf? It is true. We all put our own spin on this classic meal and call it Traditional. This is my own spin on Traditional Meatloaf.

What makes a good MEATLOAF?

You do not have to use only ground beef meatloaf.  The problem with a lot of meatloaf recipes is that they call for ground beef with high-fat content.  As the meatloaf cooks, the fat cooks out and makes a greasy mess.  Not this recipe! I use lean ground beef or lean ground turkey. Also, try not to overbake your meatloaf. It will get super dry.

You want to use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat. Do not worry about using lean meat – the rest of the ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy. You can see my pan has zero fat when I pull it out from the oven. (picture on the bottom)

Let’s get cooking:

There are not too many ingredients, so this will go fast. Like I said before. The perfect meal when you have not much time to cook. Sometimes I like to prepare this meatloaf recipe ahead of time.  Just cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready for it.  Then, uncover it and let it come to room temperature as you’re preheating the oven.

I like to add everything bagel spice into all ground meat recipes for the roasted onion flavor.

• 1 tsp of  black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp of garlic salt
• 1 tbsp of everything but bagel spice
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves of minced garlic

• 

• 

Take a mixing bowl and add your meat, eggs, all spices, and bread crumbs. I use Gluten-Free bread crumbs.  Mix with a fork altogether. If you do not mind meat on your hands, it is easier to use your hands.

• 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey/chicken
• 1/2 cup of gluten-free bread crumbs

Add your mixed meat into a baking dish of your choice. You can use loaf pan as well. Spread it into a flat even layer.

• 

• 

• 

Meatloaf topping

Make your crust with yellow mustard and ketchup. I’m not particularly eager to use sauces where you whisk sugar into ketchup and other ingredients. No reason to be adding extra sugar into your meals. That is why I use ketchup and mustard only. It still makes the flavorful crust.

• 2 tbsp of yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp of ketchup

• 

• 

• 

How long to cook meatloaf?

This meatloaf is baked in a 350-degree oven, uncovered. The length of baking depends on what baking pan you have decided to use. If loaf pan, it is about 45-55 minutes. I use a bit more shallow pan to make a flatter shape and bake it for 30-45 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160° F.  Be sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before attempting to slice it so it holds its shape.

I can fit my pan into my counter oven, which makes me happy. I do not have to heat the big oven, especially during summertime.

While you are baking your meatloaf, get ready potatoes and make mush potatoes. Fast and easy 🙂

Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?

For crispier edges, bake meatloaf on a baking sheet. Out of foil, create a self-made pan with edges to keep the meatloaf drippings as it’s baked. Shape the meatloaf and place it into the foil. Continue with baking instructions. NOTE: Baking time may vary slightly, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes!  Prepare the meatloaf, put it in a loaf pan, and top with mustard and ketchup according to the recipe directions.  Cover the pan and freeze.

Place the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator to thaw about 24 hours before you want to bake it.  Then, uncover it and let it come to room temperature as you’re preheating the oven.

Whoala…dinner is ready. I made Turkey Meatloaf and Beef Meatloaf and both are delicious. You will love this recipe for Traditional meatloaf.

• 

• 

Cooking tips:

• Feel free to use Beef or Turkey meat. Both will be delicious.
• Do not overcook; otherwise, it will get very dry.
• Leftovers are even better than fresh dinner! Just reheat and eat.
• DO NOT OVERMIX which can result in a tough/dense meatloaf
• Gently press the meat into the pan, so it holds its shape.
• Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing

Who inspired me?

Suppose you wonder who inspired this delicious recipe. You can find it only inside my head, as I add things I have on hand at the moment. Sometimes I add bacon bites or even finely chopped mushrooms. When I open my fridge and find some ingredients needing to be used, I add them to my tasty meatloaf.

I hope you did enjoy this Gluten-Free recipe. If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment please. Thank you so much!

Other easy Chicken recipes to try

• Orange Chicken Everybody’s favorite take out meal made at home.

Until next time…!

DOBROU CHUT!

© FROMCZECHTOUSA. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post for the recipe.