Stove Top Meatloaf: A Quick & Easy Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Are you craving a comforting, classic meatloaf but short on time and oven space? This stove top meatloaf recipe delivers all the familiar flavors and textures of a traditional meatloaf, but cooks up quickly and easily on your stovetop! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious. Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to a juicy, flavorful meatloaf ready in under an hour.
Why Choose Stove Top Meatloaf?
Several advantages make this recipe a winner:
- Speed: Forget hours of oven time! This meatloaf cooks significantly faster on the stovetop.
- Convenience: No need to preheat the oven; just get cooking!
- Flavor: The stovetop method allows for beautiful browning and intense flavor development.
- Less Mess: No oven cleanup! This recipe minimizes kitchen mess.
- Flexibility: Easily adaptable to your preferred ingredients and spices.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Stove Top Meatloaf
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose a higher fat content for extra juiciness.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and adds texture. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well.
- 1/4 cup Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten: Another binding agent, crucial for holding the meatloaf together.
- 1/2 small Onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and flavor.
- 1 clove Garlic, minced: A touch of pungent garlic elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the meatloaf.
- 1/2 cup Ketchup: For glazing and adding sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Stove Top Meatloaf
Follow these simple steps to create a juicy and flavorful stove top meatloaf:
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, approximately 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. You can use your hands or a loaf pan to create a uniform shape.
Step 3: Brown the Meatloaf
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatloaf in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the ketchup over the meatloaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations for Your Stove Top Meatloaf
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Different ground meats: Experiment with a mix of ground beef and ground pork or turkey for a unique twist.
- Glaze options: Get creative with your glaze! BBQ sauce, brown sugar glaze, or even a balsamic glaze would be delicious.
This stove top meatloaf recipe offers a convenient and flavorful alternative to the traditional oven-baked version. Enjoy this quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
