This Easy Sunday Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a perfect balance of savory flavors and tender texture in under an hour. Juicy ground meat blends with aromatic seasonings, while a sweet, tangy glaze caramelizes into a golden crust. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein, making it a family favorite that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, this recipe is a stress-free way to end your weekend on a high note. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or crisp green beans. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—simple, wholesome, and utterly irresistible.
What You’ll Need for Easy Sunday Meatloaf
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- ½ (6 ounce) package pork stuffing mix (substitute with breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- ½ cup brown sugar, divided
- ½ cup ketchup, divided
- Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the loaf pan)
How to Make Easy Sunday Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and pork stuffing mix. Stir until the stuffing is moistened.
- Add the beaten egg, ground beef, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup ketchup to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Lightly spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup ketchup. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is caramelized and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Meatloaf
This Easy Sunday Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Try serving it with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables complements the rich flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Customize your meatloaf to suit your taste! Swap the pork stuffing mix for breadcrumbs or oatmeal if you prefer. Add a kick with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. For a cheesy twist, fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar before baking. The possibilities are endless!
Leftovers Made Easy: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice it into portions and warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For a quick lunch, try cold meatloaf slices in a sandwich with a smear of extra ketchup or mustard!
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Prep the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. When ready, simply pop it in the oven! You can also double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Essential Equipment for Meatloaf Success
A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, shape the mixture into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet. Use a non-stick cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. A mixing bowl and spatula are all you need to bring this dish together!
Easy Sunday Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- ½ (6 ounce) package pork stuffing mix
- 1 egg, (beaten)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup brown sugar, (divided)
- ½ cup ketchup, (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix milk with stuffing until moist.
- Add egg, ground beef, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup ketchup.
- Mix together and press into a loaf pan that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray.
- Mix together the remaining brown sugar and ketchup and spread on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes.