By Elysia Cartlidge | Published: | Updated: | Leave a comment | Jump to Recipe
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This 5-ingredient meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a simple and lighter take on traditional meatloaf. Made with few ingredients, it’s quick to assemble and bake for a classic weeknight dinner that the entire family will enjoy! {Low carb & Gluten-free}
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Easy Meatloaf Recipe with Few Ingredients
Meatloaf is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Everyone needs a quick and easy homemade meatloaf recipe in their repertoire for those busy nights. The good new is, with this 5-ingredient meatloaf recipe, you can get dinner on the table in no time!
Unlike your classic meatloaf recipe, this version is made without breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, or brown sugar and instead uses parmesan cheese and BBQ sauce for a juicy and flavourful meatloaf with minimal ingredients and prep time.
Plus, this one pound meatloaf recipe doesn’t require a loaf pan. Instead, we form the meatloaf ingredients into a loaf and cook it on a wire rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking tray.
By cooking meatloaf like this, it stays nice and moist, while the excess fat drains off. You’re left with a crisp and perfectly tender and delicious meatloaf every single time!
Why We Love This 5-Ingredient Meatloaf Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Made with lean ground beef, onion, an egg, BBQ sauce and parmesan cheese, the ingredients for this loaf are easy to find and require minimal preparation.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the simple yet yummy taste of this family-pleasing recipe since there are no strong tomato or Worcestershire flavours. Serve with all your favourite sides for a balanced and delicious dinner.
- Healthier option: Made with lean beef and no breadcrumbs or sugar, this meatloaf is perfect if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Ingredient Notes
- Onion: Finely dice an onion or shred it if desired. You can also sub in onion powder or minced garlic for a milder taste without the added texture of the onion.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef or an 80/20 ratio of beef to fat. Avoid using extra lean ground beef if possible or the meatloaf may turn out dry.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavour.
- Egg: An egg helps bind together the meatloaf ingredients while cooking.
- BBQ Sauce: Instead of ketchup we’ve used BBQ sauce for extra flavour, smokiness and moisture. Use your favourite store-bought sauce or try this homemade BBQ sauce instead!
How to Make Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs – Step-by-Step
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over the top. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, heat some oil. Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Let the onion cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, gently stir together ground beef, cooked onion, parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper, just until combined.
- Next, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the wire rack. If you do not have a wire rack, place the loaf on a greased aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spoon on the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Continue cooking the meatloaf for 5-15 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached. If desired broil the meatloaf for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve with your preferred sides.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Tips for the Best Meatloaf Recipe
- Do not over mix: Mix the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. If you over mix them, it may result in a more dense meatloaf.
- Use lean meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). 80/20 is ideal for the best flavour and consistency without too much additional fat.
- Skip the loaf pan: Use a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack to cook this meatloaf recipe. The fat will drip off the wire rack, resulting in a more crisp exterior. A loaf pan, on the other hand,will cause the meatloaf to steam in the drippings instead of crisping up.
- Allow meatloaf to rest: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven to redistribute the juices and make it easier to slice without falling apart.
Recipe FAQs
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
It is best to cook meatloaf at 350 degrees F. Cooking at a lower temperature ensures the meatloaf will not dry out. The outer crust can also burn if meatloaf is cooked at too high a temperature.
Why is my meatloaf always dry?
Meatloaf may turn out dry for a few reasons. One reason is that the ingredients were over mixed. Stir ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
Secondly, meatloaf may turn out dry if it is not given time to rest after baking. It is important to rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes to let the juices absorb, before slicing and serving.
Is it better to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Although it’s not necessary to cover the meatloaf, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning and keep the meatloaf moist.
What is the perfect temperature for meatloaf?
The perfect internal temperature for meatloaf is 165 degrees F. Use an instant-read thermometer to determine when your meatloaf has reached the proper temperature. Keep in mind that as the meatloaf rests, it will continue to cook and increase in temperature.
Storage Guidelines
Refrigerator: Tightly cover the leftover meatloaf with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezer: To freeze beef meatloaf, cool it completely, slice meatloaf into individual portions, wrap it in aluminum foil and place all slices into a freezer-safe bag. Freezing individual portions will ensure the meatloaf is juicy and tender when reheated.
Serving Suggestions
This 5-ingredient meatloaf recipe is the perfect comfort food, and even better when served with your favourite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Try it with any of the following:
- Healthy Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Ranch Carrots
- Healthy Cornbread Recipe
- 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
- Green Beans with Red Peppers
- Healthy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
- Turmeric Cauliflower
You can also use any leftover meatloaf in a sandwich for a quick meal!
Recipe Variations
- For a firmer meatloaf: Add ¼ cup bread crumbsor quick oats.
- Don’t like onions? Use onion powder or minced garlic instead.
- For extra flavour: Add some fresh garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Switch up the meat: Try ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
- Switch up the sauce: Use ketchup or tomato sauce instead of barbecue sauce.
More Similar Recipes
- BBQ Beef and Quinoa Baby Meatloaf Muffins
- Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
- Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round}
- Mexican Ground Beef and Quinoa Taco Bowls
- Korean Ground Beef
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Course dinner
5-Ingredient Meatloaf {Without Breadcrumbs}
By: Elysia
Servings 6 servings
This 5 ingredient meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a simple and lighter take on traditional meatloaf. Made with few ingredients, it’s quick to assemble and bake for a classic weeknight dinner that the entire family will enjoy! {Low carb & Gluten-free}
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Ingredients
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce divided
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
Optional garnish:
- Sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over top. Spray with cooking spray.
Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Allow to cool for several minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked onion, parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper until just combined.
Form the mixture into a loaf on the wire rack. If you don't have a wire rack, you can bake the meat loaf directly on a greased foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
Remove meatloaf from oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the oven for 5-15 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Cut into slices and serve with your favourite sides.
Notes
- Do not over mix: Mix the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. If you over mix them, it may result in a more dense meatloaf.
- Use lean meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). 80/20 is ideal for the best flavour and consistency without too much additional fat.
- Skip the loaf pan: Use a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack to cook this meatloaf recipe. The fat will drip off the wire rack, resulting in a more crisp exterior. A loaf pan, on the other hand,will cause the meatloaf to steam in the drippings instead of crisping up.
- Allow meatloaf to rest: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven to redistribute the juices and make it easier to slice without falling apart.
Nutrition
Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 23gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 567mgPotassium: 369mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 224IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2mg
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Reader Interactions
5 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)
