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Easy homemade meatloaf baked in a loaf pan with a crispy, caramelized BBQ sauce crust, made with ground beef and simple pantry ingredients, photographed on a wooden countertop in a rustic farmhouse kitchen.
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Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A simple, hearty meatloaf made with pantry staples—perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients
Servings: 6
Author: Ashley Nicole

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 6 oz package stuffing mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce divided

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, stuffing mix, water, eggs, and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
  • Mix just until blended—do not overmix.
  • Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish or loaf pan.
  • Spread the remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • For leaner meat, use 85/15 ground beef to prevent dryness.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest helps it hold together when slicing.