Marvelous Meat Loaf—3 Ways

By Arlene Bascom

In all fairness, what meatloaf isn't marvelous? A plate of hearty meatloaf—just the way Mom used to make it—is the classic comfort food that almost everyone enjoys. Meatloaf is like blue jeans. You probably have an all-time favorite pair of blue jeans, a pair of jeans that are able to be dressed up for a night out, and another pair that is well-worn and the perfect comfort for a long work day. So it is with meatloaf. I go back to Mom’s classic recipe time after time, but what fun to dress up the meatloaf for company by adding some pizzazz, or on a hectic day, speed up the cooking time by shaping it into smaller loaves, baking it in individual muffin tins, or even broiling it under the broiler. 

Although all of my recipes for meatloaf use similar ingredients, there is no end to the variations and ways to cook meatloaf, depending on time available. You can substitute lean ground turkey or leaner cuts of ground beef, such as ground round or ground sirloin to make it healthier. You can add vegetables or soup or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. You can cook meatloaf in the oven, the slow cooker, on top of the stove, or even in the microwave. As I said, the variations are almost endless! 

The following meatloaf offerings range from classic to creative. Whether you choose to make Slow-Cooker Meatloaf, 20-Minute Mini Loaves, or Broiler Meatloaf, all of the dishes that follow are sure to hit the spot—and bring back some happy childhood memories.

Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Meatloaf

As if meatloaf didn’t have enough going for it, this recipe adds stuffing mix and cheese for even bigger flavor. As a bonus, it cooks while you work. 

2 lbs. ground beef

1 pkg. (6 oz.) stuffing mix for chicken

1/2 c. water

2 eggs, beaten

1 onion, chopped

1/2 c. ketchup

1/4 c. yellow mustard

4 slices American cheese

Mix all ingredients except cheese just until blended. Fold 2 30-inch-long pieces of foil lengthwise in half twice. Crisscross pieces on work surface. Top with meat mixture; shape into 8-inch round loaf. Use foil handles to gently lower meatloaf into slow cooker, letting ends of foil hang over top edge of cooker; cover with lid. Cook on high 4 hours or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160º F. Top with cheese slices. Let stand, covered, 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Use foil handles to remove meatloaf from slow cooker before slicing to serve. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and then in foil, and place in freezer container. Use within 3 months. 

20-Minute Mini Meat Loaves

Classic comfort food without the wait…the smaller loaves will bake in a jiffy.

1/2 c. ketchup

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. quick-cooking oats

1/2 c. finely chopped onion

1/4 c. minced bell pepper

1/4 c. chopped parsley

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. dried thyme (optional)

1 1/4 lb. ground beef

Preheat oven to 425. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Whisk ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and salt in a large bowl until blended. Add oats, onion, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, and thyme (if using) and add ground beef. Mix well, using hands or a wooden spoon. Form into four 5 in. long 2 1/2 in. wide loaves on lined pan. Bake 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in centers registers 160 degrees F. 

Broiler Meatloaf

Broiled meatloaf is a simple, quick, and tasty meal idea. If you find yourself without a lot of time to put a healthy meal together, serving a broiled meatloaf is an ideal option. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is even less. Served with salad and a vegetable of your choice, it is certain to be a healthy hit for everyone.

1 lb. ground beef

1 egg

1 c. bread crumbs

3 Tbsp. ketchup or barbecue sauce

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. oregano

salt and pepper 

Preheat broiler and place an oven rack at the top setting. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Be sure to mix well. If mixture isn't moist, add 1 Tbsp. milk. Shape mixture into a square or rectangle approximately 1 in. thick. Place on a cookie sheet or in a casserole dish. Broil on the top rack for approximately five minutes. Then flip meatloaf and broil on the opposite side for another five minutes. Cooking time depends on individual ovens and how well-cooked you want the meatloaf to be.

Sidebar

Kitchen Tip—Keeping It Safe

Be sure to thaw frozen ground beef safely. Keep meat wrapped and thaw on bottom shelf of refrigerator, not on countertop.