Love & Best Dishes: Old-Fashioned Meatloaf, A.K.A Basic Meatloaf Recipe

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide a healthier option while crushed crackers are often less expensive.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be more affordable.

ketchup

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: barbecue sauce

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar, while barbecue sauce is often less expensive.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a dairy-free option, while water is a cost-effective substitute.

Spray the loaf pan lightly with cooking spray.

Place slices of bread at the bottom of the loaf pan to soak up fat from the ground beef.

In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of instant oatmeal, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and 1 egg.

Add 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture.

Mix all ingredients together using hands to ensure everything is well combined.

Transfer the meat mixture into the loaf pan on top of the bread, smoothing the top and packing it down to remove air pockets.

Prepare the topping by mixing together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mustard.

Spread the topping evenly over the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.

Set a timer to ensure the meatloaf does not overcook.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens