4 Ingredient Meatloaf

Introducing the 4 ingredient meatloaf, a versatile recipe using minced beef, eggs, stuffing, and ketchup. Customize it with your favorite meats and add-ons like cheese or vegetables. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a tasty sandwich, this easy-to-make dish promises deliciousness in every bite.

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Close look of sliced meatloaf with boiled eggs inside.

Looking for an incredibly easy and delicious meatloaf recipe? Well, I have something special for you. A delicious meatloaf, made from only 4 ingredients. With a mix of minced beef meat, eggs, stuffing, and the good ol’ classic ketchup.

Of course, you can totally experiment with a mix of your favorite meats, not just beef! Think about it—pork, veal, or even a combination of different meats. The choice is yours!

This versatile meatloaf can be enjoyed in so many ways. Picture it cold, sandwiched between two slices of fresh bread, for a delightful lunch on the go. Or serve it piping hot for a hearty family dinner that will have everyone gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting their turn.

But what about the stuffing? Here’s where you can get creative.

I personally love making my own stuffing and to keep this recipe simple, I used dried white bread and a medley of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. However, to keep the 4 ingredient rule, you can use store-bought stuffing.

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can let your imagination run wild. How about adding some gooey cheese to the mix for a delightful surprise with every bite?

Or maybe toss in a medley of colorful veggies to bring freshness and a vibrant touch to your dish? The possibilities are endless, my friends!

So let’s get cooking and dive into the world of the 4 ingredient meatloaf. Prepare to be amazed by the flavors that await you.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents hide

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

🍴 Tools Needed:

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

📋 Recipe Card:

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just four main ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and straightforwardness of this dish.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, the 4 ingredient meatloaf allows you to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
This meatloaf recipe offers a world of versatility. You can use a mix of your favorite meats, not just beef, allowing you to explore different flavors and combinations. Additionally, you can enjoy it cold for sandwiches or serve it hot as a comforting family dinner, adapting it to suit your preferences and needs.
One of the best things about the 4 ingredient meatloaf is its flexibility. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some cheese for extra indulgence, throw in different vegetables to enhance the nutritional value, or experiment with your favorite seasonings to suit your taste buds. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity and personalization.
This meatloaf is bound to impress your family, friends, and guests. With its rich flavors and comforting appeal, it’s a dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking to prepare a satisfying meal for your loved ones, the 4 ingredient meatloaf will leave everyone asking for seconds.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

Top view of a white bowl with ground beef, 4 eggs, ketchup, breadcrumbs, and spices.

Minced Beef is the primary protein and substance of the meatloaf. It provides the majority of the flavor, texture, and nutritional value in terms of protein. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use other types of minced meat, such as pork or turkey for a leaner option, or even a plant-based mince for a vegetarian/vegan alternative.
Stuffing Mixture adds flavor and texture to the meatloaf. The herbs provide aromatic flavor complexity, while the dried bread acts as a binder, soaking up the juices released during cooking and keeping the meatloaf moist and held together. If you need substitutes, consider using cracker crumbs or panko breadcrumbs for the dried bread, and for the herbs, you could switch to other herb blends depending on your flavor preference, such as Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. I used a simple mix of dried white bread and a mix of Mediterranean aromatic herbs, but if you want to keep it simple, you can use store-bought stuffing.
Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold all of the other ingredients together as the meatloaf cooks. Without the eggs, the meatloaf may crumble and fall apart.
Ketchup is usually used as a glaze on top of the meatloaf and sometimes mixed into the meatloaf itself. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the savory richness of the meat. For a different twist, you could use barbecue sauce for a smokier taste, or chili sauce for a spicier kick, or even a mixture of brown sugar and mustard for a tangy and sweet alternative.

🍴 Tools Needed:

Loaf pan
Parchment Paper
Bowl

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Quick Note: In this recipe, we’ll use 1 egg in the mixture and 3 boiled eggs as filling. So, the first step is to put 3 eggs to boil until they reach the soft-boiled stage.

Next, take a spacious bowl where you can comfortably combine the remaining ingredients.

Add the ground meat, one egg, the stuffing mixture, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the bowl according to your taste.

Top view of a white bowl with ground beef, egg, ketchup, breadcrumbs, and spices.

Mix thoroughly; the resulting mixture might be quite dry, so we’ll add water to adjust the consistency, aiming for a juicy final product.

Pro Tip: If you want to add more flavor and creamy texture, you can substitute water with cream or milk.

Stir well until the mixture becomes soft enough to maintain its shape while remaining firm. I needed about ½ cup of water in total.

Pro Tip: Take a bit of time to thoroughly mix the meat, the more you mix, the more uniform and fluffy the mixture will be after baking. I mixed for around 5-7 minutes. If you want to simplify your process, you can use a kitchen mixer to make your job easier.

Pouring water with a metal spoon in a white bowl with grounded beef.

Now it’s time to shape the meatloaf.

Top view of a layer of ground beef and 3 boiled eggs on it.

Lay food plastic film on your work surface for easy meat preparation. Then, spread the meat onto it, creating a layer of about ¼”, then place the boiled and peeled eggs in the center.

Top look of a raw meatloaf rolled in plastic film.

Using the food plastic film as a guide, shape the meatloaf.

Carefully remove the food plastic film from the meat roll and transfer the meatloaf into the baking dish.

Pro Tip: To easily transfer the meatloaf into the baking dish, there’s a trick. Arrange the parchment paper into the loaf baking dish, then remove the parchment paper that already took on the shape of the baking dish and cover the meatloaf with it.

Then, place the baking dish over the covered meatloaf, and with a swift motion, flip it over so that the roll ends up inside the dish without much effort and without compromising its shape.

Top look of a raw meatloaf in a metal baking tray sitting on a white marble table.

Next, take a loaf baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make it easier for you to remove the meatloaf after it is cooked.

Then, lightly coat the surface of the meatloaf with a bit of ketchup for a beautiful golden crust in the end.

Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through on the inside and golden on the outside.

Top view of meatloaf in a metal baking tray on a white marble table.

Serve warm or cold, sliced into approximately 1″ thick slices or according to preference.

Quick Note: If serving hot, handle the slicing with care, as the meatloaf can be a bit delicate when warm.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Classic Comfort Feast: Serve generous slices of the warm meatloaf alongside creamy mashed potatoes, velvety gravy, and a side of steamed green beans. The combination of tender meatloaf, silky mashed potatoes, and savory gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven. It’s a timeless and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re craving a touch of nostalgia.
Sandwiches: Turn your meatloaf into a mouthwatering sandwich masterpiece! Slice the meatloaf and stack it between two slices of your favorite bread—whether it’s rustic whole wheat, tangy sourdough, or fluffy brioche. Amp up the flavors by spreading a dollop of tangy mayo, a smear of zesty mustard, or even a kick of spicy sriracha. Add some crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and perhaps a slice of sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella for that melty goodness. Bite into the sandwich and let the textures and flavors meld together in a symphony of deliciousness.
Mediterranean Twist: Infuse your meatloaf experience with a delightful Mediterranean flair! Serve slices of the meatloaf alongside a vibrant Greek salad bursting with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle it all with a zesty dressing made of lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. The combination of the juicy meatloaf and the refreshing salad will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
Picnic: Take your 4 Ingredient Meatloaf on a delightful outdoor adventure by packing it up for a picnic! Slice the meatloaf into individual portions and wrap them in parchment paper for easy handling. Pair them with an assortment of your favorite seasonal fruits, crunchy crudités, and a selection of artisanal cheeses. Don’t forget to bring along a crusty baguette or some wholesome crackers for an extra touch of goodness. Set up a cozy picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

Remember, this recipe welcomes you to venture beyond traditional beef and get creative with your meat choices. Think pork, veal, or a tantalizing combination of various types of meat. Don’t be afraid to explore and find that perfect mix that tickles your taste buds and adds a unique twist to your meatloaf.
When it comes to achieving that perfectly moist and tender meatloaf, pay attention to the texture of your minced meat. Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can result in a dense and tough outcome. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they just come together, allowing for a lighter and more delightful final result.
This recipe is all about flexibility and allowing your culinary creativity to soar. While the base recipe is a winner on its own, feel free to add your own personal touch. Whether it’s incorporating a generous amount of your favorite cheese or sneaking in a medley of vibrant veggies, don’t shy away from customizing the flavors to suit your preferences and elevate the dish to new heights.
When it comes to the stuffing, you have options aplenty! If time permits, I highly recommend crafting your own stuffing using dried white bread and a tantalizing blend of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. The homemade goodness truly shines through! However, for those moments when time is scarce, a store-bought stuffing mixture can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to select a high-quality option to ensure optimal flavor and satisfaction.
To achieve a beautifully cooked meatloaf with a caramelized exterior and a juicy interior, keep a close eye on the temperature. It’s essential to cook the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A trusty meat thermometer will be your best companion here, ensuring you achieve that perfect balance between succulence and food safety.

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

Can I Add Additional Ingredients to the Meatloaf for More Flavor?

Absolutely! This recipe provides a solid base, but don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking. You can incorporate various ingredients to enhance the flavors, such as cheese, vegetables, or even herbs and spices. Let your imagination run wild and create a meatloaf that perfectly reflects your taste preferences.

How Do I Know When the Meatloaf Is Cooked Thoroughly?

To ensure the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, it’s crucial to check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This will ensure that it’s safe to consume while maintaining a moist and juicy texture.

Can I Make the Meatloaf Ahead of Time and Reheat It?

Absolutely! Making the meatloaf ahead of time is a great option for those busy days. Once cooked, allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This makes it a convenient and delicious option for meal prep or leftovers.

How Should I Store Any Leftover Meatloaf?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can either reheat slices in the oven or enjoy them cold in sandwiches or salads. Just remember to reheat them thoroughly before consuming them.

Can I Freeze the Meatloaf for Later Use?

Absolutely! Freezing the meatloaf is a fantastic option for future meals. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it as desired.

📋 Recipe Card: