Description

Super moist dump and bake easy homemade meatloaf recipe that anyone can make. Including your kid. 

There are different recipes for a classic meatloaf varying in the type of meat used and also the topping.

This is a quick and easy meatloaf recipe that even your 9 year old can make it independently. ( of course with some adult super vision)

It is very basic and full of flavour with the addition of homemade cajun spice seasoning.

It is so easy to make spice blends at home. The freshness of the blends are packed with flavour and does good to your health too.  Here are some homemade seasoning recipes for you to try making at home.

What Are The Ingredients For Meatloaf

This is an easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients.

Below is a snap shot of all the ingredients you will need to make it at home.

You will need:

• Mince meat – 500 gms
• Onion, chopped – 1
• Garlic, minced – 3 pods
• Breadcrumbs – 3/4 cup
• Egg – 1
• Cajun spice seasoning – 2 tsp
• BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup
• Mustard sauce – 2-3 tbsp
• Salt to taste

How To Make The Best Homemade Meatloaf (Steps with pictures)

Follow the simple steps below to make this amazing dish at home:

STEP 1 

Add all the ingredients required to make meatloaf in a large bowl and mix well without over-mixing.

STEP 2

In another bowl add BBQ sauce and mustard sauce for making the meatloaf topping

STEP 3

Layer the meatloaf mixture in a meatloaf tin without stuffing too much or pressing it down

STEP 4 

Spread the glace evenly over the mince meat. Cover with silver foil and bake on 180 degrees for first 40 minutes.

Add another layer  of glace if you like your meatloaf to be saucy and bake without the cover for the remaining 40 minutes.

STEP 5 

Serve juicy, moist homemade meatloaf with your choice of vegetables or side.

Cooking Notes To Help Make This Recipe

1. Do not over mix the mince , this will lead to lose of moisture
2. Use any meatloaf seasoning such as cumin powder, taco seasoning, or shop bought meatloaf seasoning of your choice for added flavour.
3. Use a hand blender to chop the onions faster.
4. If you wish you can saute the onion in oil or butter before adding to the mince.
5. Do not press down the mince in the tin or pack in too much
6. Add another layer of the glace midway through baking for a saucy topping
7. Add finely chopped vegetables with the mince for added nutrients. ( see healthy option notes below)

Note – Cooking with mince meat is one of the easiest and quickest meal you can make. Try this English version of meatloaf, spicy corned beef hash recipe 

How To Make Meatloaf Moist

If you have made meatloaf at home and wonder why it comes out dry, then following these simple tricks will guarantee a moist delicious best homemade meatloaf for your family to enjoy.

Choose the right mince

In the ideal world, its the higher fat mince that makes a meatloaf moist. A mix of pork and beef mince makes a moist meatloaf.

However, if you like to watch the calories then you can swap fatty mince with lean beef mince or turkey or chicken mince.

Add additional moisture

If you use lean mince, add extra liquid to your mince mix. This could be 2-3 tablespoon of milk, sauce, or even broth.

Do not over mix and pack

When working with meat, it is tempting to press it from top. In doing so you loose out on the moisture trapped inside.

You will get a nice moist juicy meatloaf, if you lightly mix the ingredients ideally with your hands and do not pack it into the tin.

Use a moist meatloaf topping

Different recipe suggest different types of topping for meatloaf. Some use breadcrumbs, oats, different types of sauce or even bacon wrapped meatloaf.

I always recommend using a topping. It keeps the moisture in.

If possible soak dry topping such as breadcrumbs in milk or broth before adding it. This is prevent it from absorbing the moisture from the meatloaf while baking.

Cover the top while baking

Covering the top of the baking tin with silver foil also helps to ensure moist meatloaf. You can bake with the cover for first 40 minutes and remove it for the rest of the baking time.

Tips For Low Carb Healthy Meatloaf Option

If its calories you are watching then these simple swaps and additions to a classic meatloaf recipe will help.

1. Use lean mince beef for cooking,  and add additional moisture to the mince. (see how to make moist meatloaf tip above)
2. Add additional chopped vegetables such as leek, peppers (capsicum), peas and beans with the mince.
3. Swap a sweet meatloaf topping for breadcrumbs soaked in broth.
4. You can also use sugar free BBQ sauce or ketchup.
5. For vegetarian low carb option swap mincemeat with soya mince and follow the same recipe.

Recipe Card for Homemade Meatloaf