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Easy 15-Minute Meat Loaf: Best Busy Weeknight Dinner

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This easy 15-minute meat loaf for busy weeknights doesn’t taste like a shortcut. It tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen, with a juicy, savory patty and a sweet and tangy glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk (any kind)
  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  2. Combine the Meat Loaf Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, add the 1 pound ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup milk, ½ cup finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, about ¾-inch thick.
  4. Cook the Patties: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Let it get hot for about 30 seconds. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 4 minutes without moving them. After 4 minutes, carefully flip each patty.
  5. Add the Glaze: Once flipped, immediately spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared glaze over the top of each patty. Spread it gently with the back of the spoon.
  6. Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the patties cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the patties rest in the pan, covered, for 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip the rest time after cooking; it keeps the patties juicy. The initial 4-minute sear without moving the patties is crucial for a good crust. When adding the glaze and covering, reduce heat to medium-low to prevent burning the sugar. Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy meat loaf, 15-minute meat loaf, busy weeknight dinner, skillet meat loaf, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-15-minute-meat-loaf-best-busy-weeknight-dinner/