Ingredients for 30 Minute Meat Loaf Ground beef: Because the base of this quick meat loaf is ground beef, select high-quality beef. The taste will definitely come through in the final product. A higher fat content, such as 60/40, will result in the moistest loaf.
Ketchup: Ketchup is the key ingredient in our one-bowl glaze, which you’ll brush onto the meat loaf midway through cooking. The glaze adds both flavor and moisture to the loaf. Our evaluation of the best ketchup brands is presented here. Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs lightens up the ground meat and helps everything adhere into a stable loaf. You can use any kind of crumb, including gluten-free, store-bought, or homemade bread crumbs.
Step 1: Combine everything with the exception of the beef. On a table, the ingredients for meat loaf are in a bowl. In a large bowl, stir together the egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, onion soup mix, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Add the beef
Crumble the ground beef over the mixture. Using your hands or two forks, work the beef into the mixture. Be careful not to overwork the meat, which can result in a tough loaf. Simply blend the mixture until it comes together.
Step 3: Make a loaf. Form into an oval loaf shape. Try again if the mixture is sticking to your palms by soaking them in cold water.
Step 4: Microwave
Meat Loaf in a Dish Safe for the Microwave Place the loaf in a shallow 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes or until no pink remains. A thermometer inserted into the loaf’s center should register 160°. Remove from the microwave. Drain any excess fat from the dish carefully, taking care not to splatter.
Step 5: Mix the glaze
Whisking ketchup and sugar together in a bowl In the meantime, combine the sugars, remaining ketchup, and vinegar in a small bowl.
Step 6: Glaze loaf, and microwave again
A White Dish Meat Loaf with Sauce Drizzle the glaze all over the meat loaf after draining and removing it from the microwave. Cover the dish once more, and heat it through in the microwave on high for two to three minutes.
Step 7: Stand up Meat Loaf
Before slicing, let stand for ten minutes. When the meat loaf is taken out of the microwave, it will continue to cook and “set,” resulting in a loaf that is perfectly sliced.