ketchup

5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf without breadcrumbs

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!
~ Carrie Tyler ~ 55 Comments
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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!

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!

Close up picture of sliced meatloaf with ketchup on top with mashed potatoes on plate. 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!

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!

Raw Ground Beef in bowl with parmesan cheese, onions and ketchup in measuring cups on counter and egg on counter. 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!

HACK: 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.

Raw ground Beef in bowl with onions, catchup, egg, and parmesan cheese 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!

Raw Meatloaf mixed in bowl with spoon. 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!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.

Raw meatloaf with ketchup on top in aluminum lined loaf pan. 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!

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 for added flavor.  Chopped parsley (1/4 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!

COOKING THIS EASY MEATLOAF

Cook the meatloaf in the oven 350 degrees F for 60 minutes.  Take out and let sit for 5 minutes.

Close up picture of whole 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!

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!!

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!

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!
5 from 12 votes
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5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf

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!

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword family dinner, gluten free, meatloaf, no breadcrumbs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil for easy removal of the meatloaf after it is cooked.

  2. Finely dice the Onion

  3. Mix all ingredients (except the 1/3 cup Ketchup reserved for the top) together in a large bowl with a fork or with hands: beef, parmesan cheese, onion, egg, ketchup, salt, pepper. 

    Raw Meatloaf mixed in bowl with spoon. 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!

  4. Form a loaf in the loaf pan.  Spread the remaining 1/3 cup Ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the oven for 1 hour (60 minutes).

    Raw meatloaf with ketchup on top in aluminum lined loaf pan. 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!

  5. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.  Remove from the pan, cut and serve with roast or mashed potatoes or salad.  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!

Easy Homemade Ketchup

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 5 Comments

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This is EASY Homemade Ketchup will blow your mind and make you feel so accomplished!  It takes only MINUTES to make and has only 5 Ingredients.  Honey is the natural sweetener instead of refined sugar and – I am not kidding you – it tastes amazing!

The thought of making my own ketchup used to be completely fleeting…sure it sounded great, but seriously, I’m a busy woman and have no time to make condiments that I can buy at the store.  I also didn’t believe that I could make something that tasted like my childhood friend, Heinz.  However, I am a homemade ketchup converter!  Not only does it take literally MINUTES to make, but it tastes even better than the stuff from the store-bought bottle!!  It is also is so delicious in my 5-Ingredient Meatloaf recipe!

HOMEMADE KETCHUP IS EASY!!  JUST TRY IT!

This is EASY Homemade Ketchup will blow your mind and make you feel so accomplished! It takes only MINUTES to make and has only 5 Ingredients. Honey is the natural sweetener instead of refined sugar and – I am not kidding you – it tastes amazing! #ketchup #grilling #hamburgers #summerfood #bbqideas #glutenfree #cleanfood #norefinedsugar

  • It feels so great to make a natural version to something your kids may love
  • You can make a batch and freeze it in portions to last for weeks – or months in my case
  • This recipe is only 5 ingredients (plus water), so it is not as overwhelming as some recipes you may come across
  • It takes only minutes to prepare!!

SUPER EASY INSTRUCTIONS!

It starts with two 6 oz cans of Tomato Paste.  Then add honey, distilled white vinegar, garlic powder, onion, powder, salt, and water…that’s it!

TIP:  For the to honey, to make measuring and pouring it out of the cup super easy (ie it doesn’t all stick to the cup) I like to spray the measuring cup or spoon with coconut oil or olive oil spray.

See how the honey just pours out so easily and doesn’t stick!  Such a great time and hassle saver!

Simply combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan, whisk together, and simmer for 20 minutes partially covered so that the splatter doesn’t get all over your kitchen.

After the ketchup has simmered for 20 minutes, taste for salt and add to taste.  Let cool and transfer to storage containers and/or freezer bags.  We actually do not use that much ketchup, so I store a small jar in the fridge that can last 3-4 weeks.  I store the rest separated into freezer bags with 1 cup each and then label it with name and date.

This is EASY Homemade Ketchup will blow your mind and make you feel so accomplished! It takes only MINUTES to make and has only 5 Ingredients. Honey is the natural sweetener instead of refined sugar and – I am not kidding you – it tastes amazing!

5 from 1 vote
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Homemade Ketchup with Honey

This is an easy 5-ingredient ketchup recipe that uses Honey as a natural sugar so you can feel good about giving this to your family!

Course Condiment
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup Distilled White Vinegar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Power
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in small saucepot

  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover mostly with a small opening for steam to escape.   Simmer 15-20 minutes.

  3. Cool and store in the fridge and/or freezer.  Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

TIP:  To make measuring and pouring the honey out of the cup super easy, i.e. it doesn't all stick to the cup, I like to spray the measuring cup or spoon with coconut oil or olive oil spray.