This Easy Meatloaf Is Too Good To Be True

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Ready In About 20 Minutes From Start To Finish

Too hot to turn on the oven? You're not alone.

When summer temperatures climb, I start looking for ways to get supper on the table without heating up the whole kitchen. That's one reason I've hung onto this microwave meatloaf recipe for years.

It may sound a little 80s old-fashioned, but don't dismiss it too quickly. This little meatloaf is surprisingly good, especially when it's topped with the sweet-and-tangy glaze that makes it downright irresistible.

The first time I served it to our future son-in-law, Nate, I asked if he liked meatloaf. He looked a little puzzled and said, "Yeah, I really like his music." I wasn't asking about the singer—I was asking what he wanted for dinner! Later, he admitted he had never been much of a meatloaf fan until he tried this one.

Ready in about twenty minutes (if you remembered to defrost the hamburger), this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, hot summer evenings, or those days when you simply don't feel like waiting an hour for supper. Sometimes the old tricks are still the best tricks.

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!

What to serve with 20-Minute Meatloaf:

• Orange Fluff
• Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
• French cut green beans- I drizzle ours with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt
• Persistence Salad

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 or air fryer 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 Marvelous Meatloaf In Minutes

The easy 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. A round shape is ideal 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 Great 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, using the spoon to get every inch covered. Then pop it back in the microwave, uncovered, for 2 or 3 minutes to finish.

I like to cut the meatloaf into 6 wedges before serving. 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!

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.

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, 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 air fryer while you mix up the meatloaf!

Any vegetable, frozen or canned, is ready in a flash, and you will be, too!

Why Homemade Food 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.
• When what you cook is simple, cleanup is, too.
• You can add love to every dish.

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

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Yield: 6 servings

Marvelous Microwave Meatloaf

4.5 Stars (6 Reviews)

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A quick, juicy, and delicious meatloaf with a tangy glaze. It looks great, and it tastes great. It's ready in about 20 minutes.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 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

Toggle ingredient group

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry mustard, or to taste

Instructions

1. Mix the beef, onion, egg, water, oatmeal, 1/2 cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix until well-combined.
2. Shape the meat mixture into a round loaf and place it into a microwave-safe glass pie plate or a similar dish.
3. Use your fingers to form a crater in the center of the loaf.
4. Cover the dish with plastic film.
5. Microwave on high for about 12 minutes. Do not overcook.
6. 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.
7. Remove the meatloaf from the microwave oven and spread the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the meat.
8. Bake another 2- 3 minutes, uncovered, in the microwave.
9. Cut the meatloaf into wedges to serve.

Meatloaf FAQs

Can I Bake This Meatloaf In The Oven Instead?

Yes! If you prefer, shape the meatloaf and bake it in a preheated 350-degree oven until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of the loaf, but plan on about 45 to 60 minutes.

Does Meatloaf Freeze Well?

Meatloaf is one of my favorite make-ahead meals because it freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.

What Can I Do With Leftover Meatloaf?

Leftover meatloaf makes terrific sandwiches. Warm a slice, place it on a bun with a slice of cheese, and spoon a little extra glaze or barbecue sauce on. It's also delicious tucked into a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and onion for an easy lunch the next day.

Why Make Meatloaf In The Microwave?

The microwave cooks this meatloaf quickly without heating up the kitchen, making it a handy option during hot weather or on busy weeknights. Don't let the microwave fool you—the sweet and tangy glaze helps make this a family favorite.

If you enjoyed a post, I'd love it if you would leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review or a comment. It really helps my little business reach readers like you and me- we love food! ❤❤

Love, GB (Betty Streff)

Real food. Real kitchen. Real easy.

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