15-Minute Meat Loaf

Cozy, comforting meat loaf can be tonight's dinner—even at the last minute. This nifty microwave recipe makes it possible.
15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Few foods are as comforting and cozy as meat loaf. The only trouble is, of all the ways to make meat loaf, it can take ages to cook in the oven. A long cook time means it’s usually more appropriate as a Sunday dinner than as a typical weeknight dinner.

This quick meat loaf recipe changes all that. It calls for cooking in the microwave rather than the oven, giving you meat loaf that’s ready in less than half an hour. Make sure to bookmark our 15-minute side dishes that you can prepare while the loaf is in the microwave.

15-Minute Meat Loaf Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Ground beef is the base of this quick meat loaf, so buy a good-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. Here’s our taste test of the best ketchup brands.
  • Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs lightens up the ground meat and helps everything adhere into a stable loaf. You can use any type of crumb you like, including homemade bread crumbs, store-bought, or gluten-free.

Directions

Step 1: Mix all the ingredients except the beef

Ingredients for meat loaf in a bowl on a table.TMB Studio

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. Just blend until the mixture comes together.

Step 3: Form a loaf

Shape into an oval loaf. If the mixture is sticking to your palms, wet them with cold water, and try again.

Step 4: Microwave

Meat Loaf in a Microwave-safe DishTMB Studio

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 center of the loaf should read 160°. Remove from the microwave. Carefully, being cautious not to splatter, drain any excess fat from the dish.

Step 5: Mix the glaze

Ketchup and sugar in a bowl with a whiskTMB Studio

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sugars, vinegar and remaining ketchup.

Step 6: Glaze loaf, and microwave again

A Meat Loaf in a White Dish With SauceTMB Studio

After you’ve removed the meat loaf from the microwave and drained it, drizzle the glaze over the meat loaf. Again, cover the dish, and microwave on high for two to three minutes or until heated through.

Step 7: Let stand

Meat Loaf Ft23 15894 Ec 0829 5bTMB Studio

Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. The meat loaf will continue to cook and “set” after removal from the microwave, resulting in a loaf with optimal texture that slices nicely.

Recipe Variations

  • Add pizza seasonings: Love pizza? Add a store-bought pizza spice to the meat mixture for yummy pizza-inspired flavor. Or take it up a notch, and mix chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella into the loaf.
  • Take a southwestern slant: Swap the onion soup mix for a packet of taco seasoning for a simple Tex-Mex-inspired supper. Serve with chips, salsa and guacamole.
  • Go Italian: Skip the ketchup glaze, and top the loaf with stroganoff sauce. A side of buttered noodles would be a cozy change of pace to classic meat loaf sides—though you can never go wrong with deluxe mashed potatoes.
  • Serve in sandwiches: Slice the loaf into thick wedges, and serve in hoagie rolls. Bonus points if you slather on tomato sauce (use the best jarred pasta sauce for the easiest dinner ever).

How to Store 15-Minute Meat Loaf

Store leftover meat loaf, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. It will keep for four or five days.

How to Freeze 15-Minute Meat Loaf

This quick meat loaf freezes well. After cooking, allow the meat loaf (whole or sliced) to cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in at least two layers, such as plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then unwrap and bake on a greased baking pan at 350° until the loaf is heated through. (A thermometer inserted in the center should read 165°.)

15-Minute Meat Loaf Recipe Tips

Meat Loaf Ft23 15894 Ec 0829 6TMB Studio

What is the best kind of ground beef to use in quick meat loaf?

The microwave cooks meat loaf quickly, which can run the risk of drying out the beef. We suggest using a ground beef with a high fat-to-beef ratio to ensure that the meat loaf stays moist. Look for a 60/40 or 70/30 blend, or ask your butcher to grind a mix for you.

Can you substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Yes, you may use ground turkey, but be aware that the lower fat content of poultry may make the meat loaf more prone to drying out. Feel free to swap in half of the ground beef for turkey, or use all turkey and add a second egg to the loaf.

What side dishes should you serve with quick meat loaf?

Most side dishes taste great with meat loaf, from salads to soups to bread rolls or even noodles. Our meat loaf sides include cozy options like mashed potatoes, as well as brighter, fresh choices like roasted green beans.

15-Minute Meat Loaf

I combined a few awesome-tasting recipes to create this flavorful microwave meat loaf, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 5 tablespoons ketchup, divided
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons onion soup mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, dry soup mix, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into an oval loaf.
  2. Place loaf in a shallow 1-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°; drain.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sugars, vinegar and remaining ketchup; drizzle over meat loaf. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

2 pieces: 386 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.