Easy Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs Recipe

Make a deliciously moist meatloaf without using breadcrumbs. Whether you're gluten-free, need a low-carb meal, or just don't have any breadcrumbs on hand, this easy meatloaf recipe is for you! Learn how to make meatloaf flavorful and juicy so dinner is on the table in less than 1 hour.

For more easy weeknight dinner options, try Honey-Soy Chicken, Baked Bruschetta Chicken, and Creamy Sausage Tortellini next.

Sometimes meatloaf gets a bad rep but once you serve this easy meatloaf recipe, even picky eaters will love this dish. Most meatloaf recipes fall short when it comes to flavor and moisture but this dish has plenty of both!

Meatloaf with sweet chili sauce is a spicy twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. This dish is enhanced with fresh herbs and topped with a mouthwatering mix of ketchup and chili sauce for a sweet heat that makes this the best meatloaf recipe.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
• Ingredients for Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs
• Baking Sheet or Loaf Pan?
• How to Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
• Recipe Video: Easy Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs
• Tips for the Best Meatloaf
• Substitutions and Variations
• How to Store Leftovers
• Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs in advance?
• How to Reheat Meatloaf
• FAQ
• EASY MEATLOAF WITHOUT BREADCRUMBS RECIPE

Why You'll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

Super Moist! How can meatloaf made without breadcrumbs be moist? This beef and pork meatloaf is plenty juicy! Using a blend of meats ensures this dish doesn't dry out in the oven. So it's perfectly tender when you slice into it.

Super Flavorful! I love a good glaze and this sweet heat chili sauce is exceptional! It's savory, sweet, with a kick of heat so it's a tasty upgrade from just plain old ketchup.

Easy! Simply combine your ingredients, form the loaf, and bake! It really is that easy.

Ingredients for Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs

With ingredients you probably have at hand, I'll have you serving the best meatloaf (in my humble opinion) you've ever had!

1. Meat. Although this meatloaf is primarily made with ground beef, add a bit of ground pork because it brings extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
2. Aromatics. Use diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Dry Onion Soup Mix. This adds savory notes to the dish that make it even tastier.
4. Seasoning. Season with garlic powder and onion powder.
5. Fresh Herbs. Sage and thyme add an herbaceous flavor.
6. Worcestershire Sauce. This tenderizes the meat, adding moisture and a distinct umami flavor. If you are avoiding gluten, be sure to get gluten-free worcestershire sauce.
7. Ketchup. I like to add this to the meat mixture for a tangy twist. The sweetness helps to balance the savory ingredients. If you're on a low-carb diet, opt for sugar-free ketchup. It still has a natural sweetness.
8. Egg. This acts as the binding ingredient for this recipe. It prevents the meatloaf from falling apart.

Sweet-Heat Chili Sauce

This sauce touches all of the flavor points and I can't make meatloaf without it. Apply half before baking and the rest mid-way through, for a sticky, caramelized meatloaf sauce that will have you licking your plate!

1. Ketchup. For sweetness.
2. BBQ Sauce. Use for sweet, savory, smoky flavor.
3. Chili Sauce. This packs a spicy punch.
4. Worcestershire Sauce. For umami flavor.

If you are gluten-free or on a low-carb diet, check the ingredients of your sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Baking Sheet or Loaf Pan?

There's been some debate on which is better but it ultimately comes down to how you like your meat loaf. For crispier edges, use a baking sheet. Excess fats and liquids can easily drain away from the meatloaf, reducing the risk of it becoming overly greasy.

A loaf pan results in a softer meatloaf. Using one helps maintain a more uniform shape, which can be visually appealing and easier to slice.

How to Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs

Making meatloaf without breadcrumbs couldn't be easier!

Form Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix meatloaf ingredients until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

Form mixture into a loaf and place in baking dish.

Prepare Meatloaf Sauce

Mix sauce ingredients into a small bowl and top loaf with half of the sauce.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf

Bake uncovered 35-45 minutes adding more sauce to the meatloaf halfway through baking time.

Adjust cooking time based on your oven. Meatloaf will be thoroughly cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Let meatloaf rest at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Finally, enjoy!

Recipe Video: Easy Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

• Do not overmix the ingredients. Stop once they're combined. Overworking the meat mixture will leave you with tough meatloaf.
• Dice your veggies finely. Large chunks of onions or peppers can make it hard to keep the meatloaf from falling apart.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking. This allows the moisture to redistribute so all the juices don't come pouring out when you immediately slice it.
• Bake meatloaf uncovered. This is what caramelizes the sauce. That crust makes this dish even tastier! But if you feel like your meatloaf is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gravy. You can skip the meatloaf sauce and serve it with gravy instead to make this Southern style.
• Meat. Want to save some calories? Swap the beef and pork and make turkey meatloaf instead.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs in advance?

Absolutely! Make this a day or two in advance.

How to Reheat Meatloaf

Reheat an entire loaf in an oven preheated to 250ºF for about 20 minutes. Cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQ

Can you make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

You can definitely make meatloaf without breadcrumbs. Use other ingredients like onions and eggs to retain the loaf's moisture.

Can you freeze meatloaf?

You can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. To freeze before, assemble the meatloaf then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it (covered) overnight in the fridge and then cook per instructions. To freeze after cooking, allow the loaf to cool down to room temperature (about 1 hour) then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Defrost in the fridge overnight and use the reheating instructions above when you're read to warm it up.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

The key to moist meatloaf is using a mix of ground meats. Combining meats like beef and pork results in juicier meatloaf. Ingredients like onions and ketchup to the mixture contribute as well. Aside from ingredients, use cooking methods to prevent dry meatloaf. Avoid overmixing and overcooking and allow the loaf to rest when it's done.

How do you make meatloaf hold together?

Use binding ingredients like eggs and diced vegetables to maintain the structure of the meatloaf. Avoid overmixing and let the loaf rest when you take it out of the oven.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MEATLOAF WITHOUT BREADCRUMBS RECIPE!

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