I swear this is the easiest, tastiest meatloaf recipe I’ve seen

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your oven time to come to the right temperature while you prep the meatloaf.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, and the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to avoid compacting the meat.
3. Shape the Loaf
   Once the mixture is well-combined, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased loaf pan. Shape the meat into a loaf shape, smoothing the top and sides. You don’t want it to be too wide, as a thicker loaf cooks more evenly.
4. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if using). This mixture is your sweet and tangy glaze that will bring the meatloaf to life. Pour the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
   Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The meatloaf should be fully cooked through, and the glaze will have caramelized on top, giving it that beautiful glossy finish. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read about 160°F (71°C) when done.
6. Rest Before Slicing
   Once the meatloaf is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making each slice more tender and flavorful.
7. Slice and Serve
   After resting, slice the meatloaf into generous portions. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for the perfect comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Prep Time: There’s no need for complicated steps—just mix, shape, bake, and glaze. It’s that easy.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of beef and pork, along with the simple seasoning, creates a savory base that’s perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy glaze.
• Juicy and Tender: The milk and breadcrumbs keep the meatloaf moist, so every bite is juicy, not dry or crumbly.
• Versatile: This meatloaf pairs perfectly with so many sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies to a simple green salad. You can even turn leftovers into meatloaf sandwiches for a next-day treat.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a dense, tough loaf. Gently mix just until everything is combined.
• Rest the Meatloaf: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps keep the slices juicy and intact when you cut into them.
• Use Lean Ground Meat: For the best texture and flavor, aim for a blend of 80% lean ground beef and 20% fat, combined with the pork for richness.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add a bit of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or smoked paprika to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

I can confidently say that this is the easiest and tastiest meatloaf recipe you’ll find. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe delivers on all fronts—flavor, simplicity, and tenderness. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you can create a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family will love. And once you try it, you’ll be making this meatloaf on repeat for years to come.

Give this recipe a try, and I promise—this won’t be your grandmother’s meatloaf. It’s better. Way better.