Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs

This meatloaf without breadcrumbs is comfort food at its finest. The tender and juicy meatloaf is filled with the perfect balance of spices and covered in a sweet and savory ketchup glaze. It's warm, hearty, so flavorful, and truly easy to make!

My Spin On A Classic Meatloaf

There's no comfort food meal quite like meatloaf, and this recipe takes it to a whole other level of deliciousness.

The homemade ground beef mix has a blend of seasonings and is covered in a crazy flavorful ketchup topping. The meatloaf is baked in the oven until the outside is caramelized and crisp while the inside remains tender and moist.

It's so rich and satisfying, and the texture is so good you won't even notice it's made without breadcrumbs!

In addition to tasting incredible, this recipe is about as simple to make as it gets. Everything comes together in minutes, and most of that time is all hands-off cooking.

This is the perfect recipe if you're hosting for the holidays, and it also makes an ideal easy weeknight dinner. Either way, it's sure to be the best meatloaf recipe you'll find! To make it even better, serve it alongside these Southern fried potatoes and onions for a complete meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Family favorite. Even if someone doesn't typically like meatloaf, they'll love this recipe. It's just so delicious and is always a hit with kids and adults! 

The flavor. From the sweet and savory ketchup glazed topping to the moist meat and balance of seasonings, there's a lot to love about this recipe.

Simple ingredients. You'll only need 8 ingredients to make this recipe, and I'm willing to bet you have most of them on hand already!

Ingredients

• Ground beef- I like to use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor.
• Egg- to bind the ingredients together.
• Ketchup- to give the meat a little moisture.
• Worcestershire sauce- it's an underrated ingredient that adds a delicious flavor to the meat.
• Garlic powder- for a little savoriness
• Salt and pepper
• Dried parsley
• Ketchup- the main ingredient for the glaze.
• Worcestershire sauce- to add a little saltiness and more flavor.
• Brown sugar- for a touch of sweetness. I think this is what makes the glaze so addictive.

How To Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs

1. Prep work: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Stir well until everything fully mixes together.

3. Assemble: Add the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it into the pan and shape it with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

4. Bake: Bake the meatloaf for 15 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 375°F (200°C) and bake it for another 30 minutes.

5. Make the glaze: While the meatloaf is in the oven, make the glaze by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze over the top of the warm meat.

6. Finish baking and serve: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 40 minutes at 375°F. Let it cool briefly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

How I Recommend Storing This Meatloaf

In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or in the loaf pan wrapped in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Allow the leftover meatloaf to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: I like to put the leftovers in a baking dish and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions in 20-second intervals for a quicker reheating method, but I don't love the texture it gives the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use in my meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs?

Things like rolled oats, almond flour, crushed crackers, or pretzels can be used instead of breadcrumbs.

Do I have to cover the meatloaf when cooking?

No, you don't have to. I actually think it's best uncovered so the meat gets a slightly crispy texture on top.

What can I serve with this recipe?

I think it's delicious served with grit cakes, cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potato biscuits, or candied carrots.

More Of My Favorite Recipes To Try

• Baked breaded pork chops
• Chicken and biscuit casserole
• Baked spaghetti and meatballs
• Parmesan crusted chicken with mayo
• Cream cheese pasta