The Most Easy and Delish Meatloaf EVER! Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe

This simple and savory meatloaf is perfect for a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare, it combines ground beef with a flavorful mix of spices and crushed crackers for a comforting, hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 pounds ground beef
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL), undrained
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• 1 teaspoon onion flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoons garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 teaspoons seasoned salt, or to taste
• teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until well combined. Add the ground beef, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and crushed crackers.

Step 3: Season the mixture with onion flakes (if using), garlic powder, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Press down gently to pack it evenly.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should register at least 160F (70C) in the center.

Step 6: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 246
• Fat: 15g (19% of Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (25% of Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 77mg (26% of Daily Value)
• Sodium: 558mg (24% of Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% of Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% of Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 17g (33% of Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (4% of Daily Value)
• Calcium: 34mg (3% of Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% of Daily Value)
• Potassium: 248mg (5% of Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Author: Jillian

History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has been a popular dish for centuries, originating in Europe as a way to use up leftover meats and make them stretch further. In the United States, meatloaf became a household staple during the Great Depression, when affordable, hearty meals were in demand. Its versatility and ability to be adapted to different regional flavors made it a go-to comfort food. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various seasonings and ingredients, such as tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and even vegetables, making it an enduring part of American culinary tradition.

Regional Variations

While meatloaf is a beloved dish in many parts of the world, it has regional twists that make each version unique. In the Southern United States, for example, meatloaf is often served with a tangy ketchup-based glaze, while in the Midwest, it might be topped with a savory mushroom gravy. In some parts of Europe, meatloaf might include local herbs and cheeses, or be baked in a rich tomato sauce. The recipe shared here, "The Most Easy and Delish Meatloaf EVER!", combines simple ingredients like ground beef, crackers, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, making it a quick and flavorful choice for busy families.

What Makes This Meatloaf Different?

Unlike more traditional meatloaf recipes that require a long preparation time and finely chopped vegetables, this version is incredibly simple and quick. The ingredients are mixed together in just a few minutes, with no chopping required, and the meatloaf is baked in just an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy, yet delicious meal. Additionally, the use of buttery crackers and diced tomatoes with green chiles adds a unique flavor profile, giving the meatloaf a slightly spicy kick that distinguishes it from more classic, bland versions.

Where is it Typically Served?

Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food that is often served for dinner in American homes. It is especially popular in family settings or during casual gatherings, where it is often paired with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of cornbread. This recipe, with its simple yet flavorful ingredients, is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. The convenience of using pantry staples like canned tomatoes and crackers makes it an accessible meal for any occasion.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

• In the United States, meatloaf is often associated with the "mid-century modern" era, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when convenience foods and casseroles were at their peak.
• In many countries, the concept of ground meat baked in a loaf shape can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where a similar dish was prepared using minced meat, bread, and spices.
• Meatloaf can be made from a variety of meats, including beef, pork, veal, and turkey, and can be adapted to suit dietary preferences like gluten-free or vegetarian.
• Some variations of meatloaf are designed to be topped with mashed potatoes or wrapped in bacon for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This easy and delicious meatloaf recipe is a perfect example of how a classic dish can be reinvented for the modern kitchen. Whether you're feeding a family or preparing a meal for a group of friends, this recipe offers a simple, tasty option that everyone will love. The combination of ground beef, crackers, and spicy tomatoes brings a new twist to the traditional meatloaf, making it a memorable meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 246
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 11g
• Protein: 17g
• Sodium: 558mg
• Cholesterol: 77mg

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL), undrained
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• 1 teaspoon onion flakes (optional)
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat an oven to 375F (190C).
2. Beat the egg in a mixing bowl, then add the ground beef, tomatoes, and crushed crackers. Season with onion flakes, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Pack the mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 160F (70C) when inserted into the center.

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