I know you love a good, comforting meal, and nothing hits the spot quite like a classic meatloaf. It’s truly a dinner hero that brings everyone to the table. I’m excited to share a couple of my favorite easy meatloaf recipes with you today.
Whether you’re looking for something quick with your air fryer or a dish packed with sweet and tangy BBQ flavor, I have got you covered. These recipes are simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and will quickly become family favorites. Let’s get cooking!
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Air Fryer Meatloaf for Easy Dinners
This air fryer meatloaf recipe is a game-changer for quick meals. It cooks faster and needs less fuss than oven baking, giving you a tender meatloaf every time.
If you want a simple way to get dinner on the table without much effort, this is the recipe for you. It’s a truly easy meatloaf solution.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean meat helps prevent too much grease in your air fryer basket. You can drain any excess fat if needed.
- Air Fryer Liner: I like to use a parchment paper liner for easy cleanup. It also helps the meatloaf cook evenly.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for glaze
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Air Fryer Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape and Prep
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf. It should fit well into your air fryer basket. If your basket is small, you might need to make two smaller loaves. Place the meatloaf into your air fryer basket, ideally on a parchment liner. You can spread a thin layer of extra ketchup on top for a simple glaze.
Step 3: Air Fry
Cook the meatloaf in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The exact time depends on your air fryer and the thickness of your meatloaf. Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve your air fryer meatloaf warm with your favorite sides.
📝 Final Note
You can easily store leftover air fryer meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well for another quick meal!
Classic BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
This BBQ glazed meatloaf is a family favorite with its sweet and tangy topping. It’s truly a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week.
The rich BBQ glaze adds so much flavor, making this a satisfying meal that everyone will ask for again. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Tips for BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar Glaze: This combination creates that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, giving the meatloaf its signature flavor.
- Soft Breadcrumbs: I find soft breadcrumbs (or even fresh bread soaked in milk) make the meatloaf extra tender and juicy.
What You Need
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 mix)
- 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- **For the Glaze:**
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 2: Form and Bake
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a large baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Make and Apply Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the BBQ glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
Step 4: Finish Baking and Serve
Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is slightly caramelized. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
📝 Final Note
For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your BBQ glaze. It really wakes up the flavors!
