Here is the long story short, if you have never made meatloaf before, this is the easiest one you can make – no fail!
If you have made meatloaf before, this lazy meatloaf will be the quickest yet still so flavorful recipe you can make – still no fail!
Lazy Meatloaf
You all know that we try to keep our budget in check, but still want to have very protein dense meals, this is where lazy meatloaf steps in. While this takes some of the more expensive items on your list into one recipe, this will fill those bellies and keep them satisfied because it is so protein dense. Pair this meatloaf with a wonderful salad, mixed veggies or some roasted peppers and potatoes, you’re going to have this one pan stretch through everyone around the table.
One Pan Wonder
Typically this meatloaf is made with just one pound of ground beef, but many times I will double it (like in the photo) to really have it fill the pan (and bellies) with leftovers, always my goal when making our budget stretch.
Take all your ingredients and mix them together in a bowl. Then grease your bread pan, I prefer using butter and a paper towel to get into the corners and keep it simple, but any grease of your choice will do. Press the meatloaf mixture into the pan – really press it in there.
Then spread your sauce of choice – either the ketchup or other, and bake.
Remove from oven and – this is important – let it rest! This will help keep the sauces and moisture to the max!
Slice and Enjoy!!
Tips for Making Lazy Meatloaf
- My best tips for keeping this one tasting amazing, is chicken stove top! You can use any boxed stuffing mix, but I think chicken is the best one.
- A higher fat ground beef works best for this recipe. The breadcrumbs from the box of stuffing absorb a lot of the moisture. If you’re using a lean pack of ground beef (like 90/10, and sometimes 85/15), add a little extra water or one more egg.
- Make it even more special and unique, have more time, want to get more creative? Add in a chopped onion, garlic, shredded cheese, or other spices you love. Make sure to switch up your sauce on top to match what flavor you’re going for inside (making it a bit more BBQ, add bbq sauce on top).
How To Freeze Your Lazy Meatloaf
- Slice the loaf and wrap each serving slice with aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer safe bag.
- Defrost the portions you want to eat in the fridge overnight.
How To Reheat Your Lazy Meatloaf
From Frozen:
Bake in a dish while still wrapped in the aluminum foil at 350ºF for 18-25 minutes.
From Fridge, In Oven:
- Preheat oven to 250ºF
- Place your leftover meatloaf slices in a shallow dish.
- Pour about 1 tablespoon of beef broth over each slice (optional).
- Cover the dish with foil and cook for 20-25 minutes.
From Fridge, In Skillet:
- Place slice in medium-low heat with a bit of oil for about 4 minutes, turning half way. Makes for a nice and crispy outside.
Lazy Budget Friendly Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef higher fat content preferred
- 2 Egg
- 1 box Stove Top Stuffing Any Flavour
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup 1/4 for mix, 1/4 for topping
- 1/2 Cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, dry stuffing mix, eggs, water and HALF of the ketchup. Mix together really well.1 pound Ground Beef, 2 Egg, 1 box Stove Top Stuffing, 1/2 Cup Ketchup, 1/2 Cup Water
- Grease a bread/loaf pan with your choice of grease (I just use butter). Place the mixture into a greased pan.If you don't have one, you can use aluminum foil to form a loaf pan shape and place it on a foil lined baking sheet.
- Spread the remaining ketchup over top. Alternatives you can use for toppings are BBQ sauce, chili sauce, pizza sauce and more.1/2 Cup Ketchup
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing, to keep as much of the juices inside.
- Slice into 6 pieces and enjoy with your favourite side
