Years ago, I asked our soon-to-be-son-in-law Nate if he liked meatloaf. He said, “yeah, I really like his music.” Except I was telling him what we were having for dinner.
Later on, he told me he never did like meatloaf until he tasted mine. Meatloaf did have some big hits, but all meatloaf isn’t created equal.
This recipe is not only quick, but it makes a surprisingly good little meatloaf. Plus, it’s ready in about 20 minutes if the hamburger is defrosted.
Working parents, I sure can relate to your daily scramble to get a meal on the table. We need a few tricks up our sleeve!
You Are Just Twenty Short Minutes From A Warm Nostalgic Meal
I was an early and enthusiastic adopter of microwave ovens. They were the Instant Pot of my mothering years.
When I got my first microwave, it came with a hardcover cookbook full of beautiful photos. Women were encouraged to actually cook and bake in a microwave oven when they first came out.
The manufacturers showed us recipes that could be adapted to this new way of cooking. It’s not much different from learning how to use our Instant Pot today.
I think our microwave ovens have been “back-burnered.” They’ve become limited to making popcorn and heating a hot pocket. Your microwave can do more!
Make A Meaty Marvelous Meatloaf In Minutes Tonight
The meatloaf starts with a pound of hamburger and simple pantry ingredients.
Throw everything in a bowl and use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix it all up. But, I thought my daughter would enjoy evidence that I love using the Danish Whisk she put in my stocking. I use it all the time!
I like to bake the meatloaf in a glass pie dish. Round is an ideal shape for microwave cooking. Use your fingers to make a crater in the center. This helps the meat cook evenly.
Now, cover the meatloaf with plastic film and microwave it on high for about 12 minutes. Meatloaf cooked in a microwave isn’t pretty, but it’s cooked when it feels firm to the touch.
Every microwave oven is different, you may need another minute or two. But please don’t overcook it, because you still need to add the finishing touch!
A Sweet Glistening Glaze On The Meat Loaf For The Win
Mix up some ketchup, brown sugar, and a little bit of dry mustard. You can do this right in the bowl you used to mix up the meatloaf!
Stir it up until everything is well combined.
Now lovingly spoon it over the meatloaf and use the spoon to get every inch of the meatloaf covered. Then pop it back in the microwave, uncovered, for 2 or 3 minutes to finish.
I like to cut the meatloaf in 6 wedges to serve it. Inside, it’s juicy and moist. It isn’t tough, and it doesn’t fall apart when you cut it. This is easily enough for two meals for a couple, and it reheats very nicely in the microwave!
I slice the leftovers and put them in a microwave-safe dish with a tight lid. Like soup, it’s even better the next day. Sometimes, I serve it on a slice of bread or on a bun. Tasty!
Now Hustle Up Some Superb Sides To Go With Your Marvelous Meatloaf
Now that the microwave is busy, you need some quick oven or stovetop sides. There’s no shame in cooking up one of the fast and fabulous packaged sides available today.
I’m a huge fan of everything Knorr makes! They’ve got a bunch of insanely fast and delicious sides. I’m devoted to their bouillons and use them all the time to add flavor to soups and veggies. Here’s their website.
Twenty minutes also gives you time to boil and butter some baby potatoes, a very traditional side with meatloaf. Or, here’s a link to my popular potato post called Spectacular Spuds. Whip up a panful of speedy skillet potatoes.
You can rely on the blue box of macaroni and cheese to bring a smile every time. Frozen sweet potato fries or tater tots would be a tasty addition, ready in about 15 minutes. Pop ’em in the oven while you mix up the meatloaf!
Any vegetable, frozen or canned, is ready in a flash and you will be, too!
Why Homemade Food You Can Make Fast Is Always Better Than Fast Food
Here are seven reasons home cooked is a win.
- You make it so you know what’s in it.
- It’s hot and fresh. It didn’t get cold and yucky in a sack on the way home.
- Less trash. No styrofoam boxes to get rid of.
- It costs less than going out to eat.
- You don’t have to wear a mask.
- When what you cook is simple, cleanup is, too.
- You can add love to every dish.
Marvelous Microwave Meatloaf
A quick, juicy, and delicious meatloaf with a tangy glaze. It looks great, and it tastes great. It's ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef. I use 85% lean.
- 3/4 cup quick oatmeal, not instant oatmeal.
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp instant minced onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp seasoned pepper or to taste
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard, or to taste
Instructions
- Mix the beef, onion, egg, water, oatmeal, 1/2 cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix until well-combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a round loaf and place it into a microwave-safe glass pie plate or a similar dish.
- Use your fingers to form a crater in the center of the loaf.
- Cover the dish with plastic film.
- Microwave on high for about 12 minutes. Do not overcook.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, make the glaze. Mix 1/2 cup of ketchup with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, and the dry mustard. Stir well.
- Remove the meatloaf from the microwave oven and spread the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the meat.
- Bake another 2- 3 minutes, uncovered, in the microwave.
- Cut the meatloaf into wedges to serve.
I’ll bet you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve, too! Got any hints for a quick meal you’d share?
If you enjoyed this recipe today, please share it on your social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. I’d sure be tickled and ever so grateful, thank you!
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
