Many people need to make their family meatloaf without breadcrumbs due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Using some easy substitutions, there are a lot of fantastic options to make this mouthwatering comforting meal without reaching for processed bread.
Typically a classic meatloaf recipe, like my wildly popular brown sugar meatloaf, will call for breadcrumbs because they help hold moisture in the loaf, while also making it more tender overall. However, I love this recipe because the meatloaf is juicy, exceptionally tender, and is lacquered with a tangy balsamic-ketchup glaze. This meal will soon become a family favorite, even if you dont have special diet needs.
The best meatloaf is the one you feel good about eating. My recipe calls for oatmeal, but you can use any of the suggestions below to make a good meatloaf without compromising your diet. After all, you know your family best, so create a meal the whole family can enjoy together!
Making a moist and delicious meatloaf without using breadcrumbs may seem challenging, but it’s easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can make an incredibly flavorful and juicy meatloaf that doesn’t require breadcrumbs or other fillers.
Why Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs?
There are a few benefits to skipping the breadcrumbs when making meatloaf
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It allows the natural flavor of the meat to shine through more Breadcrumbs can dilute the meaty taste,
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The texture is richer and more tender without breadcrumbs.
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It’s lower in carbs and more paleo/keto friendly.
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If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
Meatloaf Ingredients That Keep It Moist
Here are some of the ingredients that help keep meatloaf moist and delicious without using breadcrumbs:
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Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per 1 lb of meat.
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Milk or cream: The milk or cream keeps the meatloaf base moist. Use 2-4 tablespoons per lb of meat.
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Onions and garlic: Diced onions and garlic provide tons of flavor. They also release moisture as they cook.
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Cheese: Finely shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese helps bind the ingredients together.
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Ketchup or barbecue sauce: Spreading ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the meatloaf adds sweetness and moisture as it cooks.
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Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, basil, etc add freshness and flavor.
Tips for Keeping Meatloaf Moist Without Breadcrumbs
Follow these tips for the juiciest meatloaf texture:
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Don’t overmix the meatloaf base. Gently mix just until combined. Overmixing can make it dense and dry.
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Avoid compacting the meatloaf too densely into the pan. Shape it loosely for the best texture.
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Brush the top with oil or sauce to prevent drying out.
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Bake at a moderate temperature like 350°F. High heat can cause dryness.
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Allow the meatloaf to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juices to redistribute.
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Add beef broth or milk to the pan and baste the meatloaf as it cooks.
5 Simple Meatloaf Recipes Without Breadcrumbs
Here are a few easy and delicious meatloaf recipes to try that don’t require breadcrumbs:
1. Simple Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Mix all ingredients except 2 tablespoons ketchup. Form into loaf and spread remaining ketchup on top. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
2. Italian Herb Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Italian herb blend
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Whisk milk, egg, parmesan, garlic and herbs. Mix with beef and shape into loaf. Top with tomato sauce. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
3. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients except barbecue sauce. Shape into loaf and wrap with bacon slices. Brush with barbecue sauce. Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes.
4. Mexican Style Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp cilantro (optional)
Stir together all ingredients except cilantro. Form into loaf shape. Top with cilantro. Bake at 375°F for 50 minutes.
5. Mushroom Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients except 1 tbsp ketchup. Shape into loaf and spread remaining ketchup on top. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Cooking Tips for Moist Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
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Place meatloaf on a baking sheet with sides to catch any drippings. The captured juices keep it moist.
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Baste frequently with pan drippings, ketchup, barbecue sauce or beef broth.
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Tent foil over the meatloaf but leave the sides open to allow steam to escape.
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Insert a meat thermometer to the center and remove from oven at 160°F for medium doneness.
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Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb back into the meat.
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Add crushed crackers or quick oats if you want to add some filler without breadcrumbs. Use very sparingly.
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Mix in a little brown sugar or honey for enhanced moisture and flavor.
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Substitute milk, yogurt or sour cream for half the ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Ready to Make Delicious Meatloaf Minus the Breadcrumbs?
Making moist tender meatloaf without breadcrumbs is easy with just a few simple binding and flavoring ingredients. Following the tips above will help prevent dryness. Get creative with recipes by mixing in your favorite herbs, cheeses, vegetables and sauces. Enjoy the full beefy flavor in every slice when you skip the breadcrumbs!
Ingredients You Will Need for this recipe
- Ground beef – I use 80/20 beef, but 85-15 is also great. Lean ground beef will create a drier meatloaf, so it is important to include some fat.
- Quick oats – They can be left whole, or grind them up for more of a breadcrumb texture.
- Grated onion
- Beef broth
- Fresh parsley
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
The balsamic ketchup glaze for this recipe is such a simple sauce to prepare. In a small bowl combine the three glaze ingredients and it is ready to use. I recommend putting a couple of spoonfuls of glaze under the meatloaf to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The rest is painted on top of the loaf.
How do I make it?
Begin by crumbling your ground beef into a large bowl. Then add all of the other loaf ingredients to the bowl and mix to combine.
Note: You can leave the oats whole if you like the texture of the large flakes, or chop them up into smaller bits to resemble breadcrumbs.
The meat mixture needs to be formed into a loaf. This can be done on a rimmed baking sheet, but it is easiest to use a loaf pan. With either choice, I recommend placing aluminum foil or parchment paper under the loaf to prevent sticking. I also spoon a little glaze under the meatloaf so it doesnt stick to the foil either.
Note: If using a baking sheet, you will have to create the loaf shape yourself, which isnt difficult. However, the loaf typically sits flatter, which can result in faster baking times.
Once the loaf is formed, paint the top of the loaf generously with the remaining glaze. Now it is ready for the oven. Place it in a 350 degree oven for one hour and ten minutes, or until the interior reaches 160 degrees. Finally, remove it from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
Note: The total baking time will vary depending on how thick your meatloaf is. I recommend keeping a probe thermometer inserted in the meat as it cooks so you can monitor the progress.
Store your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Use the leftovers to make incredible meatloaf sandwiches!
Meatloaf slices can be reheated in the microwave, but the best way to reheat meatloaf is to place it in a 350 degree oven until warmed through.
Yes, you can prepare the raw meatloaf in advance and freeze it. You should wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer storage bag to prevent freezer burn. Making multiple loaves and freezing them makes meal prep on busy weeks easy.
Meatloaf without bread crumbs (low carb)
FAQ
What can I use in my meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs?
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What makes meatloaf too moist?
Why does meatloaf need bread crumbs?