This guide walks you through why this 5‑ingredient meatloaf is a weeknight game‑changer, how to prepare it with no fuss, smart hacks, FAQs, and a cozy finish that feels effortless yet satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why 5‑Ingredient Meatloaf Works for Busy Weeknights
You need hearty dinners, not pantry raids. This recipe cuts it to the essentials—ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and onion—yet still delivers juicy, comforting meatloaf. It hits the homemade feel without extra steps or dishes. You don’t lose flavor; you just skip the clutter. It’s like the Mini Meatloaf Muffins in efficiency, but in classic loaf form.
No melting cheese, no elaborate glaze—just straight‑forward comfort with minimal effort. When I want ease plus flavor, this is my go‑to. It’s proof that simple ingredients can deliver big on comfort.
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Easy 5‑Ingredient Meatloaf for Lazy Weeknights
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy 5-ingredient meatloaf is the ultimate weeknight savior—quick, hearty, and so satisfying. Made with pantry staples, it’s one of the best easy meatloaf recipes you’ll keep making again and again.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
1/3 cup finely diced onion or 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line or lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and onion until just mixed.
4. Form into a loaf shape and place in prepared pan.
5. Brush top with extra ketchup if desired.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the beef mixture—it keeps the loaf tender.
Use pre-chopped onions or onion powder to save more time.
This recipe freezes well after baking—slice and freeze for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy meatloaf, 5-ingredient meatloaf, quick comfort meals
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
This recipe takes all-you-need pantry basics to make weeknight prep a breeze:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 lb |
| Large egg, beaten | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Ketchup (for moisture and glaze) | ¼ cup |
| Onion, finely diced (or onion powder) | ⅓ cup diced or 1 tsp powder |
That’s it. Just five ingredients plus salt and pepper if you want more seasoning. If you’d ever want more flavor twists, check out my Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf—still a breeze, but a little glossier.
How to Make It in Under an Hour
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Line a loaf pan or baking sheet with foil.
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and onion until just mixed—don’t overwork it.
- Shape it into a loaf directly on the baking surface.
- Brush a little extra ketchup on top, if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through (internal temp of 160 °F).
- Rest 5–10 minutes—this gives you clean, juicy slices.
Simple, right? If you need other easy meatloaf ideas, my Easy 1‑Pound Meatloaf gets you more of a classic feel with still low effort.
Smart Tweaks, Serving Suggestions & FAQs
Variations & Serving Ideas
Mix in grated carrots or zucchini for a veggie boost. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Top with melted cheese when it’s nearly done. Serve with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for easy weeknight harmony.
Or try the French Onion Meatloaf for more flavor depth—my go-to when I want that soup mix taste on lazy nights.
FAQ
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—shape the loaf, wrap in foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight when you’re ready to bake.
How do I keep it tender?
Lower-fat meat is okay here, but avoid overmixing. The ketchup adds moisture while baking.
Can I prep earlier?
Yes—mix ingredients and chill in loaf form for up to 6 hours before baking.
Safe internal temperature?
Bake until it hits 160 °F, then rest—it’ll settle close to 165 °F.
This 5‑Ingredient Meatloaf recipe proves quick weeknight dinners can stay comforting. With pantry basics, easy steps, and time on your side, you get a wholesome, satisfying loaf in under an hour. It’s comfort made simple.
After resting, slice, serve, and enjoy how effortless home cooking can feel again. No fuss, just flavor—every night, any night.