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15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf

Name: 15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 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

21 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Oct. 16, 2023

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

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

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.

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.
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.

Microwave Meat Loaf Tips

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

Because this recipe cooks the ground beef quickly, it’s best to work with a high fat-to-beef ratio. This will keep your meat loaf from drying out. Ask your butcher for a 60/40 or 70/30 blend. Since the ground beef is the star of the recipe, don’t skimp on the quality, either. Here are some butcher shop mistakes to avoid while you’re there.

How do you store microwave meat loaf?

Microwave meat loaf should last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when tightly wrapped in foil, or up to for 3 months in the freezer. To use, partially thaw it in the fridge overnight. Unwrap and bake on a greased baking pan at 350°F pan until heated through, and a thermometer reads 165° in the center.

What are some variations of this microwave meat loaf recipe?

Because this microwave meat loaf recipe is so quick and easy, it takes no time to add a little something extra! You can turn this meat loaf into a mashup of other family favorite recipes like pizza (add chopped pepperoni and mozzarella), tacos (swap a packet of taco seasoning for the onion soup mix and add diced tomatoes) or even stroganoff by topping it with stroganoff sauce and serving with a side of noodles. If you liked this recipe, try more of our recipes you can make in the microwave.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

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