Classic Meatloaf and Meatballs

This 2-for1 recipe is what our family uses to make both meatloaf and meatballs. A great go-to recipe for both of these classic Italian dinner dishes.

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★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

This classic meatloaf recipe is a no-fail way to use ground beef. Using this same mixture of ingredients you can make either meatloaf or meatballs.

Go with whichever you're in the mood for!

Meatballs are great with spaghetti sauce over a bed of pasta.

Meatloaf is wonderful served with mashed potatoes and a veggie. I like to roast carrots or any veggie with a little oil and salt, right along with the meatloaf on a baking sheet.

★ Tips & FAQs ★

This meatloaf is freezer friendly.

You can freeze this two ways — raw, then you'll need to thaw it and cook as directed. Or go ahead and cook the meatloaf then freeze it. Then just thaw the meatloaf, slice it and microwave it by the slice for about 1:30 - 2:30 minutes or until warmed to your liking.

Make meatballs!

This meatloaf recipe doubles as a meatball recipe so if you'd prefer t make meatballs, follow these cooking instructions:

All you have to do is, instead of forming a loaf, roll the beef mixture into 1" or 2" meatballs and cut the cook time down. For 1" meatballs, they can be done in about 20 minutes. 2" meatballs might take closer to 30 minutes to cook all the way through.

You can leave off the ketchup or if you like that bit of tomato flavor, you can add it into your meat mixture.

Can I cook meatloaf in the crockpot?

Yes, you can actually cook meatloaf in your crockpot. Form a loaf and place in the center of your slow cooker. Cook the meatloaf in the crockpot for 6 hours on low or or 4 hours on high, or until meat has cook through to the center.

How do I know when my meatloaf if fully cooked?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the center of your meatloaf. When it gets to 160ºF, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to cook meatballs in the crockpot.

Form 2" meatballs and place them in the slow cooker close together without touching.  Cook on low for 2 hours or until meatballs have cooked through to the center.

Try making turkey meatloaf or meatballs.

You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef or, as I prefer, a half and half blend of ground turkey and beef. Using turkey is a great way to cut fat.

Choose a lean beef.

OK, you don't have to choose a lean beef. However when you cook meatloaf most of the fat is going to cook out of it anyway. So by starting with a lean mix of ground beef, you'll have less grease to drain away.

Experiment with different fillers.

To keep your meatloaf moist and to ensure it binds together you need to add milk and some sort of filler to the meat mixture. Typically bread crumbs are a classic filler choice. You can even make your own bread crumbs (check out my How to Make Bread Crumbs from Toast tutorial here) . However you can also add a different flavor and texture by using something other than bread crumbs for your filler. You could use crumbled crackers, cooked rice, or even instant oatmeal.

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This classic meatloaf and meatballs recipe was featured on South Your Mouth!