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January 21, 2018 Easy Beef Dinners

5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf without breadcrumbs

Name: 5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 16 oz 90% Lean Grass-Fed Ground Beef; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Onion, diced; 1 Large Egg; 1/4 cup Ketchup for mixing with beef (see my recipe for homemade Ketchup!); 1/3 cup Ketchup for spreading on top of loaf (see my recipe for homemade Ketchup!); 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper

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Ok, so you might think meatloaf sounds boring, but this is some freakin’ good, super simple, 5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf! This Easy Meatloaf recipe may be short on ingredients, but it is loaded with flavor. Because there are no breadcrumbs, you don’t have them soaking up the juices, so the meat stays really moist – and it’s gluten free too! I just love this yummy loaf of goodness 🙂

MAKE AHEAD OR EVEN FREEZE

The best part (aside from the amazing taste) is that this is only 5 simple ingredients and you can make it ahead and Freeze before cooking! I like to double up the recipe and then make one meatloaf to cook and eat and the other to freeze. For more fantastic ways to use your Freezer to prepare food ahead and make it last longer, check out this printable cheat sheet with 10 Freezer Hacks to make easy dinners!

PREP FOR YOUR EASY MEATLOAF!

The only prep ahead of time for this Easy Meatloaf (assuming you buy the parmesan already grated) is to dice the onion. I like a larger dice, but you can dice it finely to blend in more.

It really is just 5 simple ingredients (plus salt, pepper, oil). The ingredients are lean, grass-fed ground beef, onion, parmesan cheese, ketchup, and an egg. That’s it! I urge you to try making your own ketchup using honey. It’s delicious and so super easy! Check it how here homemade ketchup recipe, but feel free to use the store bought stuff!

TIP: Worried about crunchy onions in your loaf? Or, don’t have a fresh onion on hand? Dice several onions in advance and freeze them in in a storage bag! The onions will already be soft from being frozen and they cook beautifully. You also always have freshly frozen onion on hand!

Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl with salt and pepper (except the ketchup reserved for the top of the loaf) and mix it with a large fork or with your hands.

Form the ground meat mixture into a loaf and place into a loaf pan. I like to line the loaf pan with aluminum foil so that it is easy to remove in one piece when it is done, is you simply lift it out by the sides. Spread the remaining ketchup over the top evenly.

COOKING THIS EASY MEATLOAF

Cook the meatloaf in the oven 400 degrees F for 45 minutes (or 350F for 60 minutes). Take out and let sit for 5 minutes.

Then remove from pan, slice, and serve! This Easy Meatloaf recipe is so moist and flavorful, you won’t believe it was so incredibly simple to make!!

RECIPE FAQS

Can I make this meatloaf ahead?

At this point, you can store the uncooked meatloaf in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it really well to prevent air from getting in. Or freeze it for up to 5-6 months, again sealed as well as you can.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

You can definitely substitute ground chicken or ground turkey. The cooking time will be the same. However, for poultry, you should check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165 F.

Do I have to use grated Parmesan Cheese?

The reason grated Parmesan works so well is because it’s so fine that it really mixes thoroughly throughout the meat. However, you can use shredded if you don’t have grated. You may also use cheddar, manchego, or other hard cheese if you don’t have parmesan. Though I do recommend getting it as finely shredded or even grated as possible.

Can I add other ingredients?

Sure! I tried to keep this recipe as simple as possible, but there are lots of other ingredients that would be great additions! You can add a clove of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of worcestershire sauce along with this ketchup for added flavor. Chopped parsley (¼ cup) is great for added brightness and color. A finely diced jalapeno would be delicious for a kick. Red or Green pepper would also be delicious. I created a delicious variation on this recipe you can check out – 5-Ingredient Mexican Meatloaf! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER IDEAS AND I WILL UPDATE THIS!

What should I serve with this Meatloaf?

I love to serve something healthy, but flavorful with this Meatloaf. My favorite side for this is my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash! My next favorite side is my Cheesy Cauliflower Rice! Of course, you can also go with more traditional mashed potatoes. And if you want really decadent, try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole! 🙂

ENJOY!

Close up picture of sliced meatloaf with ketchup on top. This 5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf recipe may be short on ingredients, but it is loaded with flavor. The lack of breadcrumbs means you don't have them soaking up the juices, so the meat stays moist - and it's gluten free too! Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper are all that go into this yummy loaf of goodness!

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