01 -
Okay, first things first! Grab a big mixing bowl—you'll want some space for this. Dump in your ground beef, the Lipton Onion Soup Mix (all of it!), that large egg, the milk, and the breadcrumbs. Now, here's where it gets a little messy but totally therapeutic: get in there with your hands! Gently mix everything together until it's just combined. Don't overmix, or your meatloaf will get tough. I always feel the cold meat against my fingers, knowing I'm building something delicious. This is where I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic and end up with meatloaf bits on my apron, haha.
02 -
Once everything is mixed, transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan (a 9x5 inch one works perfectly). Use your hands to gently press it down and shape it into an even loaf. You want it to be compact but not overly dense. I like to make sure the top is nice and smooth so the glaze spreads evenly. This step always makes me feel like a sculptor, honestly. One time, I didn't press it down enough, and it shrank weirdly in the oven. Live and learn, right? Just make sure it looks like a nice, solid loaf.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the ketchup (we're saving the other 1/4 cup for later, don't forget!) and the brown sugar. This is going to be your first layer of deliciousness. The smell of the sweet ketchup and brown sugar always makes my mouth water. It's such a simple step, but it makes all the difference, giving the Easy Lipton Meatloaf Recipe that classic shine and tangy-sweet crust. I always give it a little taste test, just to make sure it's perfect.
04 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it's hot, spread that lovely glaze mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf. Pop the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You'll start to smell that amazing savory aroma filling your kitchen—that's when you know it's working its magic! I sometimes peek through the oven door, watching the glaze bubble. It’s a little moment of anticipation for the deliciousness to come.
05 -
After the initial 45 minutes, pull the meatloaf out of the oven. Now, spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup over the top. This second layer ensures a really rich, flavorful crust. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I used to just guess, but a meat thermometer is a game-changer for ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and juicy. Don't rush it, let that glaze get nice and caramelized!
06 -
Once your Easy Lipton Meatloaf Recipe is cooked through, take it out of the oven. This is the hardest part, I swear! Let it rest in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is super important—it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and preventing it from falling apart when you cut it. The kitchen smells absolutely divine at this point, a mix of savory beef and sweet tomato. Then, slice it up and serve! It should look beautifully browned with a glistening, slightly sticky glaze.