Picture the comforting aroma of a hearty, home-cooked meal wafting through your kitchen.
Stove Top Meatloaf isn’t only a breeze to prepare but also a classic comfort dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite.
As the simple ingredients meld together in the oven, they transform into a flavorful, juicy loaf.
It’s time to bring this delicious dish to life and enjoy a slice of nostalgia.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 spatula
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Stove Top Meatloaf, follow this timeline:
- Pre-Preparation and Reading (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients listed.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Finely chop the onion.
- 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- 10:00 – 12:00 minutes: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and mix until well combined. Avoid overmixing.
- 12:00 – 15:00 minutes: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shape it into a loaf, and spread ketchup evenly over the top.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- 15:00 – 60:00 minutes: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- 60:00 – 70:00 minutes: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This timeline guarantees that you manage your time effectively and have a well-prepared meatloaf ready to serve.
Adjust the timeline if you wish to include additional steps, such as preparing side dishes or setting the table while the meatloaf is baking.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and mix until well combined.
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that pairs perfectly with meatloaf, providing a creamy contrast to the savory dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans offer a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Adds a fresh, crisp element to the meal with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Buttery Corn on the Cob: A simple yet delicious choice that brings a touch of sweetness and crunch to the meal.
Storage
To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze meatloaf, cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
Label with the date.
Freeze up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat meatloaf, slice it and microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture.
Alternatively, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F.
Final Thoughts
Stove Top Meatloaf is a classic American dish that brings comfort to the table.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for a hearty family meal.
By following the steps carefully, you can achieve a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Remember to let it rest after baking to guarantee the juices are evenly distributed.
Don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your unique twist, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Adjust cooking time to guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Ground turkey may require less salt; consider adding herbs for flavor. Maintain moisture by avoiding overmixing.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with 1 tablespoon soy sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Guarantee even distribution in the mixture for balanced flavor. Adjust quantities based on your taste preference and dietary restrictions.
Is It Possible to Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Confirm Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Substitute the milk with 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk. Omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Verify any breadcrumbs used are also dairy-free. Mix ingredients gently to avoid density. Bake as directed.
Can I Cook This Meatloaf in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook meatloaf in a slow cooker. Form the loaf, place it in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.

Stove Top Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.