Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and I know many of you love easy dinner recipes. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic meatloaf recipes that will make your meal planning simple and delicious.
Whether you prefer cooking with an air fryer or a traditional oven, these recipes offer tasty ways to enjoy this hearty dish. Let’s get cooking!
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Air Fryer Meatloaf: A Quick Dinner Idea
This meatloaf cooks perfectly in your air fryer, making dinner fast and cleanup easy. It’s a great choice for weeknights when you need a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps keep the meatloaf lighter and less greasy in the air fryer.
- Breadcrumbs: These are important for binding the meatloaf mixture together, which helps prevent it from crumbling while cooking and slicing.
What You Need for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup or preferred glaze
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix Ingredients for Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined, but be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Air Fry the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Place it in the basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you want a glazed top, brush with ketchup or your preferred glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
📝 Final Note on Air Fryer Meatloaf
Let your air fryer meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and making it much easier to slice neatly.
Bbq Glazed Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Meal
This recipe brings a sweet and tangy BBQ flavor to your classic meatloaf. It’s perfect for family dinners and gets great feedback every time you make it.
Key Ingredients & Tips for BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for the glaze. It not only adds a wonderful flavor but also helps create a nice, slightly caramelized crust.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount adds a deep, rich background flavor that complements the beef and barbecue sauce really well.
What You Need for BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for the mixture)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (for the glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Add salt and pepper. Gently form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
Step 2: Bake and Glaze the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. After that time, take it out of the oven and spread the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
📝 Final Note on BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
For even more flavor, let your meatloaf mixture sit for about 15 minutes after mixing and before baking. This gives the breadcrumbs time to soak up moisture and the flavors to blend.