Simple Classic Meatloaf Recipe Made from Scratch

Our simple classic meatloaf recipe is very easy to make and so delicious. Add a homemade sauce to take it to the next level!

Simple Meatloaf made from scratch – a Mennonite Classic!

Here’s another classic Mennonite-style, comfort food, main dish – meatloaf. 

This recipe is very simple and easy; no dicing, sautéing or anything like that. Just dump everything together, mix it up, shape it and bake it! Add a homemade sauce if you wish and you’ve got a simple and delicious meatloaf for dinner. (I usually make the sauce but literally ran out of ketchup today. Oh well, it’s good either way!)

I don’t normally bake meatloaf in a loaf pan. I’d rather bake it on a larger pan or baking sheet so the excess juices can run away from the loaf, and it bakes faster too. Oh, and that lovely crust all over the top is my favorite.

Even better than the crust is the texture of this simple meatloaf. There are no “pieces” inside (I’m talking about you, onion) so no crunchy surprises when you take a bite of meatloaf. Yay for picky eaters! I’m not usually picky, unless we’re talking about meatballs or meatloaf.

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Here’s the list of simple ingredients (+ Substitutions!):

• Ground beef – to be honest, I actually don’t know what the lean/fat ratio is on our bulk ground beef we buy. The leaner the beef, the less grease you’ll have running out of your meatloaf during baking.
  
• Cracker crumbs – one regular sized sleeve of Ritz crackers makes the perfect amount of crumbs after it’s crushed. You can also use bread crumbs or soda crackers instead. Don’t have crackers? Try quick oats instead.
  
• Egg – a large egg helps to bind the meatloaf together.
  
• Ketchup – use your favorite brand to add flavor to the meatloaf
  
• Onion powder – for flavor. You can totally add a diced onion instead of onion powder; I don’t simply because I don’t like onion pieces in my meatloaf!
  
• Salt + pepper

For the BBQ sauce:

• Ketchup + Mustard – your favorite brands
  
• Brown sugar – light or dark

⬇️ Find the full recipe on a handy printable recipe card at the bottom of this post! ⬇️

Supplies we used

• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Baking dish – we used a regular glass 9×13 pan, though any pan will work.
  
• Non-stick cooking spray
  
• Mixing bowl
  
• Instant read thermometer – every cook should have one of these; I especially like it when I’m cooking meat!

How to make our Simple Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, ketchup, onion powder, salt and pepper. Then add the cracker crumbs and the ground beef and use your hands (or an electric hand mixer) to mix everything together.

Shape the meat mixture into a log and place in a greased pan. Spread the homemade sauce on top and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 160°F.

Let the meatloaf set and rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

After the meatloaf has cooled, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze the meatloaf? 

Yes! Wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil first, to help avoid freezer burn. (This is optional, you can skip it if you wish!) 

For cooked meatloaf: Place it in an airtight container or bag and freeze it for several months. I like to label mine so I don’t forget what’s inside!

For raw meatloaf: same story. Place the meatloaf in an airtight container or bag and freeze for several months. Thaw completely and add the sauce on top of the meatloaf just before baking like usual!

What shall I serve with Simple Classic Meatloaf?

Here are a couple of our favorite sides to serve with meatloaf: 

• Ranch Potatoes
  
• Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter
  
• Cheesy Potatoes
  
• Any steamed or cooked vegetable like green beans, peas, broccoli, etc.
  
• A salad like Corn Chip Lettuce Salad, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, or even Coleslaw.

Tips, Tricks + Notes

Let’s take a moment to discuss the onion situation. Regular diced onion works just fine in this recipe, or you can even grate it to get it a little finer. There’s also the option of blending it in the blender before adding it to the meatloaf. But still, the easiest and quickest way, my favorite way, is to just add onion powder (or granulated onion)!

Add some seasonings. Chili powder, Italian seasoning, dried parsley or basil, are a few good ones. Also, you can add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the sauce to give it a smokey flavor.

Even more dinner ideas:

Share this easy meatloaf recipe!

As always…

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’til next time,

We love you and we’ll be praying for you,

Julie