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Easy Meatloaf Recipe: A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite

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Feeding a family on a budget can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re trying to keep meals both delicious and affordable. In my household, it’s usually the lowest-cost meats that make it into my grocery cart.

No surprise, then, that hamburger features prominently in the meals I make for my family. Ground beef is versatile, filling, and easy on the wallet—everything a home cook could ask for.

Why This Meatloaf Recipe is a Go-To

One recipe that shows up regularly in my meal rotations is this easy meatloaf. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also wonderfully simple to prepare. This meatloaf recipe It’s a go-to for those nights when I’m too tired at the end of the day to spend a lot of time thinking about what to cook.

Let’s be honest—after a long day, the last thing I want is to fuss over a complicated recipe with a laundry list of ingredients. That’s why this meatloaf recipe is such a winner. It takes the guesswork out of seasoning, which is a big plus in my book.

The Beauty of Simplicity in the Kitchen

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need for seasoning is a bit of ketchup (which I always have on hand, of course) and a package of onion soup mix. That’s it! These two pantry staples come together to create a flavorful, comforting dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters at my table.

There’s no need to measure out a dozen different spices or worry about getting the seasoning just right. The onion soup mix provides all the savory depth you need, while the ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tang that complements the beef perfectly.

A Tasty Break from the Usual

This meatloaf is also a nice change of pace from my other go-to hamburger recipes like hamburger hash, spaghetti, or just plain hamburgers. While those dishes are always popular, it’s nice to mix things up a bit.

Meatloaf feels a bit more special, like a proper home-cooked meal, without requiring any extra effort. And the best part? The kids always love it. They gobble it up every time, and I love knowing I’ve put a satisfying, home-cooked meal on the table without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

raw hamburger formed into a loaf on parchment paper, illustrating an easy meatloaf recipe

Stretching Your Grocery Budget Further

In a world where food prices seem to be constantly rising, it’s recipes like this that help stretch my grocery budget further.

By sticking to affordable ingredients like ground beef and keeping the preparation simple, I’m able to feed my family nourishing meals without compromising on taste. This meatloaf is proof that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat or gourmet ingredients to make something truly delicious.

Versatility That Works for You

Another reason this meatloaf recipe is a staple in my kitchen is that it’s so versatile. While it’s fantastic served with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies, you can also get creative with leftovers (if the kids leave any!).

Slice it up for meatloaf sandwiches the next day, or crumble it into a salad for a protein boost. I’ve even diced up leftover meatloaf and added it to a batch of chili for a hearty twist.

You can also dress it up with different sauces and glazes. Spread your favorite BBQ sauce over the top before putting it in the oven, or leaving it plain and serving it with mashed potatoes and a nice brown gravy are just a couple of things that I regularly do.

Serve it with rice, spaghetti, or a cheesy baked potato. The possibilities are endless, making it a practical choice for families who are mindful of waste and want to make the most of every meal.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe: A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite

Recipe by Jessie
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

This easy meatloaf recipe is a budget-friendly, family favorite that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Using just ground beef, ketchup, and a package of onion soup mix, it’s a no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef

  • 1/2 c soft bread crumbs

  • 1/3 cup ketchup

  • 1 pkg onion soup mix

  • 2 eggs

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs well.
  • Add onion soup mix, ketchup, and bread crumbs. Mix well.
  • Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix well.*
  • Form into loaf, and place into a greased loaf pan.
  • *Optional: Spread your favorite sauce or glaze over the top of the hamburger loaf.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from oven, and let sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into slices.

Notes

  • *Optional glazing suggestions: your favorite barbeque sauce; sweet chili sauce; homemade bbq sauce made with 1/2 c ketchup, 1/4 c brown sugar and 1/4 c vinegar; or, when meatloaf is done cooking, cover the top with cheese slices or shredded cheese and pop under the broiler for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion: A Reliable, Delicious Choice

So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner and you’re staring at that package of ground beef in the fridge, give this easy meatloaf a try. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers on flavor, fills hungry bellies, and keeps your budget intact. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about at the end of a busy day.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

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