Grab the apron and head to the kitchen because we're making grandma's five ingredient meatloaf recipe tonight! (Gluten free option, dairy free, soy free, nut free, egg free option, coconut free)

"one does not say 'no' to grandma's cooking."
What memories of grandma do you have? Was your grandma a cook? Is your grandma the one that likes to host everyone for the holidays? Our grandparents can play a huge role in our lives and in our cooking!
My grandma:
- Always washed, dried and reused Ziploc bags and tin foil
- Turkey was Thanksgiving, and ham was Easter.
- Coffee. You could smell her coffee brewing down the street. It was so strong! She would give me a spoonful as a kid and I was wired.
Let me know in the comments some of the memories you have of your grandma!
LOVE THIS DISH? HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT DINNER IDEAS!
history
The history of meatloaf dates back to the fifth century. However, it hit a revolution during the American depression and World War II when meat meals could be stretched out to last longer. It also allowed the ability to save money.
Meatloaf typically includes ground beef, bread crumbs and spices. However nowadays there are so many variations on the market!
side dishes for meatloaf
If were keeping with the OG classic meatloaf recipe, you will definetely want some classic meatloaf side dishes to go with it! I'm talking:
- mashed potatoes
- vegetables--broccoli, carrots, brussel sprouts, green beans, asparagus
- toasted bread
- green bean casserole
- green beans and bacon
ingredients
I'm keeping the ingredient list VERY simple here. And I've included substitutions for allergies too!
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs or oats (use gluten free if needed)
- dry onion soup mix
- egg (can omit if needed)
- sauce-barbeque, ketchup or tomato sauce
the sauce
I listed three types of sauce you can use.
- Barbeque
- Ketchup
- Tomato sauce
Either of these is fine to use. It's more of a personal preference. I'm used to ketchup so we usually go for ketchup but whatever you would like!
breadcrumbs or oats?
Again this is really a matter of what you like and enjoy. I would recommend using quick oats though. Using either the oats or breadcrumbs should not alter the taste of the meatloaf.
what type of beef?
There are two types of ground beef that are the best to buy for meatloaf:
- 70:30: 70% meat, 30% fat
- 80:20: 80% meat, 20% fat
This will ensure that your meatloaf doesn't come out too dry.
cooking
In all honesty, traditional meatloaf when cooked via the oven will take a good 60-75 minutes to cook. So if you're hoping to have this done and on the table in 30 minutes or less, here are some other cooking methods:
- oven: 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes.
- oven method #2: divide prepared meatloaf into greased mini muffin cups or mini loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
- air fryer: 390 degrees for 25 minutes Place tin foil on the bottom and sides of the air fryer, then place the loaf in the air fryer. Do not wrap the meatloaf completely in tin foil.
- pressure cooker: manual button then set for 35-40 minutes. Wrap the meat in tin foil and seal prior to cooking.
Five Ingredient Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup sauce, divided barbeque, ketchup or tomato sauce
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or quick oats can substitute gluten free
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 whole egg omit for egg free version
Instructions
- Preheat oven or other cooking method to desired cooking temperature. (See notes)
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, ¼ cup sauce, oats or breadcrumbs, soup mix and egg. Mix for several minutes by hand until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a loaf pan. (See notes for other cooking methods and preparation).
- Brush remaining sauce on the top of the meatloaf
- Bake for desired cooking time, or until meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Video
Notes
cooking
In all honesty, traditional meatloaf when cooked via the oven will take a good 60-75 minutes to cook. So if you're hoping to have this done and on the table in 30 minutes or less, here are some other cooking methods:- oven: 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes.
- oven method #2: divide prepared meatloaf into greased mini muffin cups or mini loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
- air fryer: 390 degrees for 25 minutes Place tin foil on the bottom and sides of the air fryer, then place the loaf in the air fryer. Do not wrap the meatloaf completely in tin foil.
- pressure cooker: manual button then set for 35-40 minutes. Wrap the meat in tin foil and seal prior to cooking.
side dishes for meatloaf
If were keeping with the OG classic meatloaf recipe, you will definetely want some classic meatloaf side dishes to go with it! I'm talking:- mashed potatoes
- vegetables--broccoli, carrots, brussel sprouts, green beans, asparagus
- toasted bread
- green bean casserole
- green beans and bacon
ingredients
I'm keeping the ingredient list VERY simple here. And I've included substitutions for allergies too!- ground beef
- breadcrumbs or oats (use gluten free if needed)
- dry onion soup mix
- egg (can omit if needed)
- sauce-barbeque, ketchup or tomato sauce
the sauce
I listed three types of sauce you can use.- Barbeque
- Ketchup
- Tomato sauce
breadcrumbs or oats?
Again this is really a matter of what you like and enjoy. I would recommend using quick oats though. Using either the oats or breadcrumbs should not alter the taste of the meatloaf.what type of beef?
There are two types of ground beef that are the best to buy for meatloaf:- 70:30: 70% meat, 30% fat
- 80:20: 80% meat, 20% fat
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