Garlic Butter Meatloaf Recipes – Easy and Flavorful

Discover easy garlic butter meatloaf recipes that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Follow our step-by-step guide to a delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love It

Garlic butter meatloaf recipes bring a delicious twist to classic comfort food. These recipes offer a perfect balance of rich garlic flavor and buttery moisture, making every bite tender and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping, this meatloaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with your favorite sides. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking to elevate their meatloaf game.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef – Grass-fed or lean options work well
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs – Use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed
• 1/4 cup milk – Substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Sweet or yellow onions are best
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adjust up or down based on garlic preference
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Use dairy-free margarine to make it dairy-free
• 1 large egg – Can substitute with flax egg for vegan adaptation
• 1/4 cup ketchup – Opt for sugar-free ketchup if preferred
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Check for gluten-free versions if needed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your loaf pan or baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, melted butter, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix all the ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined but do not overmix.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf, approximately 8 inches long, and place it onto your prepared pan.
5. Brush a little melted garlic butter over the top of the loaf for extra moisture and flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

For more hearty and simple dinner ideas, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and Classic American Recipes.

Expert Tips

For the best results with garlic butter meatloaf recipes, avoid overmixing your ingredients to keep the texture tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the loaf. You can prepare the meatloaf the night before and refrigerate it for deeper flavors. To scale the recipe, simply double or halve the ingredients based on your needs.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and Worcestershire sauce to keep it safe.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk.
• Vegan: Replace ground beef with plant-based mince, use flax eggs instead of real eggs, and swap butter for vegan alternatives.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Choose natural ketchup without added sugars or make your own sauce.

FAQ

• What makes garlic butter meatloaf recipes so flavorful? The combination of garlic, melted butter, and seasonings adds rich aroma and moisture, elevating the classic meatloaf.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works but bake slightly longer as it’s leaner and may dry out faster.
• How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked? Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.
• Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.
• Are these meatloaf recipes good for meal prepping? Definitely. They reheat well and maintain flavor throughout the week.

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