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Cheap Meatloaf Recipe for Large Families on Tight Grocery Budgets

Cheap Meatloaf Recipe for Large Families on Tight Grocery Budgets

This cheap meatloaf recipe is a hearty, family-friendly dinner designed to feed a crowd without stretching your grocery budget. Made with simple pantry staples, ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and a flavorful homemade glaze, this tender and juicy meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and large family gatherings. It's comforting, affordable, easy to make, and delivers plenty of leftovers for future meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Glaze
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • Optional Budget-Friendly Add-Ins
  • 1 grated carrot
  • 1 grated zucchini
  • ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper
  • ½ cup quick oats

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl (for glaze)
  • Baking sheet or baking dish
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Step 3
  1. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Mix well.
Step 4
  1. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and any optional vegetables if using.
Step 5
  1. Add breadcrumbs and allow them to absorb moisture for 2 minutes.
Step 6
  1. Add ground beef and gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix.
Step 7
  1. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or baking dish.
Step 8
  1. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze.
Step 9
  1. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
Step 10
  1. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 11
  1. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
Step 12
  1. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 13
  1. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a more economical version, replace up to ½ pound of the ground beef with grated vegetables or oats.
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain moisture.
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if desired.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, rice, or dinner rolls for a complete family meal.