Are you looking for a hearty, comforting meal that won’t break the bank? Look no further! This Budget Friendly Slow-Cooked Meatloaf Recipe is perfect for feeding the family with minimal cost and maximum flavor. With simple ingredients, a few kitchen staples, and a slow-cooked method, you’ll have a delicious, moist meatloaf that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing leftovers for a satisfying meatloaf sandwich, this recipe is your go-to for budget-friendly comfort food.
Why This Meatloaf Recipe Is a Game Changer
Affordable Ingredients
One of the best things about this meatloaf recipe is its affordability. With budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, milk, crackers, and basic vegetables, you’ll be able to create a fulfilling dish that feeds a crowd without emptying your wallet. Plus, you probably already have most of these ingredients on hand!
Slow-Cooked for Maximum Flavor
Slow-cooking isn’t just for stews and soups—it’s perfect for meatloaf too! By taking the time to bake this meatloaf slowly, you allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a super moist, tender, and flavorful loaf. The slow-cooking process ensures that each bite is juicy and packed with savory goodness.
Easy to Prepare with Minimal Effort
This recipe doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe simple and straightforward. With a few easy steps and a little bit of hands-on mixing, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to go.
Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, here’s what you’ll need for this budget-friendly slow-cooked meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef – This is the main protein for your meatloaf. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – These act as a binder and help keep the meatloaf moist.
- 1/4 cup milk – Milk will soften the crackers and help with binding.
- 1 large egg – Eggs provide moisture and help hold the ingredients together.
- 1 medium onion, diced – For flavor and a little bit of crunch.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness and color to your meatloaf.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For a fragrant, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – For sautéing the veggies.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little heat and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon salt – For seasoning.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – The classic topping for a flavorful glaze.
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional) – For a little tang and heat.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooked Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake the meatloaf.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the oven is heating, prepare your vegetables. Start by chopping the onion and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the vegetables to infuse the meatloaf with flavor. Once chopped, set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, around 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn. The goal is to cook the vegetables until they become translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your meatloaf.
Step 4: Prepare the Binding Mixture
While the vegetables are cooling down, grab a bowl and add the milk to the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Let the crackers soak in the milk for about 5-6 minutes until they become soft and mushy. This step is important because it helps bind the meatloaf and ensures a moist texture.
Step 5: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. To that, add the egg, black pepper, salt, and the milk and cracker mixture. Mix everything together using your hands, making sure all ingredients are well incorporated. Be gentle when mixing—overworking the meat can lead to a dense and tough loaf.
Step 6: Add the Sautéed Vegetables
Once your sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic have cooled slightly, add them to the meat mixture. Mix everything together, folding the vegetables into the meat. This will ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you have a meatloaf pan, feel free to use that as well. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You want to make sure the loaf isn’t too compact—this will help the heat cook it evenly and maintain its moisture.
Making the Meatloaf Topping
Step 8: Prepare the Sweet and Savory Glaze
In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy layer to the meatloaf, and the brown sugar will give it a lovely caramelized finish once baked.
Step 9: Coat the Meatloaf with the Glaze
Brush about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. You want to ensure the entire top is covered, so don’t be shy with the glaze! Save the remaining glaze for later to brush on after the meatloaf has finished baking.
Baking the Meatloaf
Step 10: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take the meatloaf out and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. You want the meatloaf to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If it hasn’t reached this temperature, return it to the oven for another 30 minutes.
Step 11: Rest the Meatloaf
Once the meatloaf is done, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget to drizzle the remaining glaze over the meatloaf slices for an extra burst of flavor!
Tips for the Best Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, use your hands and be gentle. Overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf.
- Add Some Heat: For an extra kick, try adding some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or glaze.
- Try Different Meats: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. Mix and match based on your preference!
- Freezer-Friendly: This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Make an extra loaf and freeze it for an easy meal later on.
Conclusion: The Perfect Budget-Friendly Meatloaf Recipe
This Budget Friendly Slow-Cooked Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect blend of affordable ingredients, simple preparation, and slow-cooked flavor. It’s a dish that can easily be made in bulk, ensuring that you have leftovers for sandwiches the next day or a hearty meal for your family. By following these easy steps, you can create a moist, flavorful meatloaf that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant—all without spending a lot of money.
Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. We’d love to hear how it turned out for youdrop a comment below and let us know your favorite twists on this classic dish!
Budget Friendly Slow-Cooked Meatloaf Recipe: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal for the Whole Family
Description
This Budget Friendly Slow-Cooked Meatloaf Recipe combines affordable ingredients with a slow-cooking method to create a moist, tender, and flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete, comforting meal.
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