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Better-Than-Ever Meatloaf
(48 Votes)
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- SERVES
- 6
- COOK TIME
- 1 Hr 5 Min
Meatloaf is an American favorite, right up there with Mom's freshly baked apple pie. And while we know that everyone has a favorite way they like to make their meatloaf, we think our Better-than-Ever Meatloaf is sure worth a try.
What You'll Need
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 2/3 cup ketchup, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/3 cup ketchup; mix well.
- Place mixture into prepared baking pan and shape into a loaf. Spread remaining 1/3 cup ketchup over top.
- Bake 1 hour or until done.
Notes
- If you want to cook this in the microwave, simply combine the ingredients as above, then place the mixture in a 2-quart oblong microwaveable baking dish and shape into a loaf. Microwave, uncovered, on High (full power), turning the dish occasionally, for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from the baking dish and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
- Want to try a lighter version of this meatloaf recipe? You can use very lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef!
- Looking for more easy meatloaf recipes? Then you'll love our latest recipe collection, How to Make Meatloaf: 17 of Our Best Meatloaf Recipes.
- This meatloaf recipe would go great with a side of Lyonnaise Potatoes or Best Broccoli Salad!
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cassiemae 041346
May 23, 2018
Test Kitchen Which ground beef is best to use on the Better Than Ever Meatloaf 93-7 or 85-15? This recipe sounds good. Thank you.
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Test Kitchen Team
May 25, 2018
For meat loaf we suggest the 85-15, enjoy!
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frogfever127 4846046
Mar 18, 2018
I put peppers and onions in mine p!us use KCMasterpieceb-b-que sauce in place of ketsup and Italian seasoned bread crumbs!
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PA Momma
Jun 06, 2016
For a great change of pace use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup... Its yummy!
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joyceperkins28 1661190
Jan 26, 2016
I like to use tomato soup in and on the meatloaf along with the the seasonings,onions and so on. makes a good topping and nice gravy for mashed potatoes.
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njengland2013 8025843
Jun 13, 2015
And where the heck are the onions?????
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jynx
May 25, 2015
My family and I love this! I crushed salad croutons and used that for breadcrumbs when I found out I had no bread, and one time used salsa instead of ketchup, my family likes that as an occasional variation. Fantastic recipe! Thank you Mr. Food!
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farmerzdtr
Apr 04, 2014
I have always used oatmeal instead of bread crumbs. I remember once, my ex-husband used Cheez-Its (whole) when our son was little. He loved it LOL
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thepope 6923413
Mar 21, 2014
very good, except I do not add water. How do you keep meatloaf from splitting on top?
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Test Kitchen Team
Mar 21, 2014
By adding the water will keep the meatloaf from splitting. Water will keep the meat moist.
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meatandtaters
Jul 31, 2014
Beef broth will give it more flavor but a lot of people, including me, use some evaporated milk.
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SouthernMaster
Aug 24, 2015
The reason a meatloaf recipe may contain water is it brings out more of the true beef flavor. Other things like dairy even beef broth can disguise it, although milk does make it creamier.
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Pegaroo
Oct 05, 2013
I added about half an onion to this and then followed the recipe and it was delicious! My husband raved about it and I can't wait to eat the leftovers in sandwiches!
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christine08
Sep 11, 2013
yes I do use milk and egg in my meatloaf I also use left over bread chopped in cubes and wet with some milk salt pepper add to my mixture everyones taste is diff but it comes out great moist
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dsrg725 1328830
Sep 07, 2013
This recipe would be to bland for my family. Must use lipton onion soup mix, rotel tomatoes. I have used crackers, bread crumbs, crushed corn flakes, oatmeal..... I prefer cornflakes, but they all work.. I like to add a little mustard and brown sugar to my ketchup topping (glaze).... also 85/15 makes for juicy meatloaf.... Its all a matter of taste.....
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starrp1ip 1332530
Jul 02, 2013
I added onion and bell pepper oooh perfection
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barbaramarsh 5173746
Jun 10, 2013
Looks and soundgood.!!!
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jstpeg 2045392
May 29, 2013
add some celery & bell pepper to that meatlosf and that will make it good.
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Mitchell
Aug 20, 2013
5 star rating. exactly the way I make mine.
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Gammah
May 28, 2013
i just made a meatloaf last week, i used tomato sauce and grounded up crackers, it was very tasty.
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roseguy
May 28, 2013
After reading the list of ingredients, I was mildly shocked by the lack of onion and using water. I have never heard of meatloaf recipe using water. As the two comments mentioned, I use crushed tomatoes instead of the water and substitute tomato sauce for the ketchup. I also bake for 1.5 hours at 325f
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Gammah
May 28, 2013
i have never heard of using water either, what is the purpose of that i wonder
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yoyo1198
Aug 24, 2013
The water with the bread crumbs works as binding agent so the meatloaf doesn't fall to pieces.
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brownie09 4723783
Mar 07, 2013
I have basically the same recipe, but I use milk in mine instead of the water.
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Kats Korner
Jan 30, 2013
I think this recipe was delightful and tasty. To try another flavor put some BBQ sauce in the place of ketchup. Also I like to put about 2/3 cups of diced tomatoes mixed in the meat. Make it very juicy.
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AlanandAlane
Jan 18, 2013
YES, this was very good and fast to make. I did add some oins for some spice.
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Gammah
May 28, 2013
the people i cook for the meal that night, dont like onions, i cant believe that, onions is what makes it, so i used onion powder, which isnt the same
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country girl 1981
Dec 19, 2012
My family loves this!!! They ask for me to make it on a regular basis! It's good without adding anything extra. I omit the onion powder. I use Italian style bread crumbs.
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kylady717 1283296
Dec 02, 2012
It may be worth a try, but can't imagine making a meatloaf without adding onions & green pepper & 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder doesn't even sound like enough.....I usually add 2-3 cloves chopped up...... !!!!! just sayin....................
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charlie2000 0013609
Nov 27, 2012
I used this same recipe with venison burger last night and I put 3 slices of bacon on top. It was great. My husband loved it. We will miss you. God Bless.
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tk57
Nov 09, 2012
I didn't have bread crumbs so I crushed garlic and butter croutons, what a great flavor they added.
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NSapp1
Aug 12, 2012
My husband mixes hamburger and sausage (1 lb. each) with red onion, green pepper, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian bread crumbs, 2 eggs, worcestershire sauce and Old Bay. Crease top and put ketchup and sprinkle with a little light brown sugar. Bake for 1 and 1/2 hours. Pretty wonderful.
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sgoring24 7038187
Nov 10, 2012
Your husband sounds like he has this one down! I make mine the same way, but I never tried Old Bay. Thanks for the new idea...Daisie
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lauriek628 2612234
Dec 18, 2012
Old Bay is a seasoning. Delicious!
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tdzm 7811775
Feb 27, 2013
This sounds great. We do not eat meat, but there are some terrific soy based burger and sausage products that I think would be perfect for making you husband's recipe. I'd never have thought of using Old Bay in a meatloaf. I will definitely try this.
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BeaderOne
Jul 04, 2012
It wont let me post a comment but :: I chop 1 small yellow onion, 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/2 to 3/4 tube crushed saltines, 1 egg, salt, pepper and garlic powder, mix together well. Make patties, 5 or 6 in a little oil i brown them on each side, Pour i can diced tomatoes and stir some then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. I serve with mashed potatoes this is so delicious.
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sgoring24 7038187
Nov 10, 2012
Is your tag BeaderOne because you do beading? Just wondering...I've been beading for about 5 years and have a hard time finding any one else that does it. Oh, and by the way, your recipe sounds really good!
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sherriemartian5 3480778
Jun 26, 2012
In stead of fresh bread crumbs try 1 1/2 cups of stove top stuffing. Gives it a great flavor..
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minnbuckhunter5 9676308
May 02, 2012
YUMMY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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sandyfoote1 1506148
Mar 24, 2012
This recipe is for a novice. Come on..lets add some real flavor.
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partbland 52
Mar 06, 2012
how about some onions and the brown sugar.
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joana39 2491207
Mar 05, 2012
i make my meatloaf on top of the oven with onions, green pepper, a little celery, a little grated carrot, an egg and italian breadcrumbs in the ground beef, shape into a loaf, put in a deep pan, not a pot, brown it, and then i add an envelope of liptons dry onion soup and a can of ceam of mushroom soup with 2 cans of water to the pan and let it simmer for at least an hour...its delicious with mashed potatoes...
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jcwalling2 8423329
Jan 22, 2013
What is the difference between a pot and a deep pan? I have a castiron coated deep baking pan with lid. Would this work?
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tlr721
Mar 05, 2012
I always use tomato sauce instead of ketchup. Gives much more flavor. And I add some brown sugar to the topping.
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bault7 9930910
Mar 01, 2012
add brown sugar & a little apple cider vinigar
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bault7 9930910
Feb 22, 2012
ADD BROWN SUGAR TO THE KETCHUP
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