Here it is: The Easiest Weeknight Meatloaf! Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of a classic meatloaf—savory, comforting, and downright delicious. This version keeps things easy with just a handful of ingredients, but the flavor? Next-level. Ground beef, a few pantry staples like garlic and onion powder, and a touch of tomato paste come together to create the perfect, tender loaf. Toss in some crispy Yukon Gold potatoes for a one-pan dinner that’s as low-effort as it is tasty. No frills, just pure comfort food. Ready in about 90 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the hassle. Bonus: It’s adaptable, so feel free to throw in your favorite veggies!
How to Make The Easiest Weeknight Meatloaf
Making this easy meatloaf is a breeze! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly oiling a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, onion and garlic powders, tomato paste, salt, and pepper until just combined—don’t overmix to keep it tender. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the pan. Surround it with cleaned Yukon Gold potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Top the meatloaf with a generous spread of ketchup, then bake for 90 minutes. For a nice caramelized finish, broil for 2 extra minutes at the end. Serve it up with your favorite veggies—Italian green beans and summer squash make a perfect pairing!
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The Easiest Weeknight Meatloaf
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cup
- Optional: Broiler pan or sheet pan
- Optional: Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef your favorite variety
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 8-10 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes cleaned
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Serve with your favorite veggies I sautéed Italian green beans and summer squash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, gently mix the ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Arrange the cleaned Yukon Gold potatoes around the outer edge of the meatloaf.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle them with salt.
- Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf with a spoon.
- Bake for 90 minutes. For a caramelized ketchup crust, broil the meatloaf for an additional 2 minutes at the end of baking, being careful not to burn the ketchup.
Favorite weeknight dinner!
This was such a good recipe
we love that you love it!