The Actual Best Meatloaf Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats add fiber, while crushed crackers can be more economical.

ketchup

🥗Healthier: tomato puree

💰Cheaper: homemade sauce

Tomato puree has no added sugars, and homemade sauce can be made at a lower cost.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal is a vegan option, while applesauce adds moisture and sweetness.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain panko with 1/2 cup of whole milk and stir until the panko is coated.

Let the panko mixture sit for 10 minutes to absorb the milk.

In a medium-sized skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add 1 cup of chopped yellow onion to the skillet and stir until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.

Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet and cook until deepened in color, about 60 seconds, stirring continuously.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.

Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Check the panko mixture; it should be moistened and fluffy after 10 minutes.

Add the onion mixture to the panko and stir to combine.

Lightly beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl before adding them to the mixture to help combine better.

Add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the mixture.

Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the mixture, but do not add all at once; mix in gradually.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens