How to Make Easy Meatloaf with NO Mess
I used to get so disgusted when I made a meatloaf because of the greasy mess on my hands! I actually quit making them until I found the secret to make meatloaf with NO mess!Â
Now it is a snap and absolutely no mess at all! Keep reading to find this quick and easy tip to make delicious no-mess meatloaf.
Meatloaf Recipes
To this day, I believe my dad makes the best meat loaf around. He uses ground beef in his meatloaf, and it is pretty traditional. It is absolutely delicious!
When the kids were young, Jay did the Keto diet off and on. I altered our meatloaf recipe to accommodate his diet, and we actually loved it. Since then, I usually use lean ground turkey instead of beef and no bread type filler. It is a little bit healthier version.
The Versatility of Meatloaf
You don’t have to make a classic meatloaf. There are many options, so you can add what your whole family likes best.
- The Meat that you use:
- Ground Beef
- Lean Ground Turkey
- Ground Chicken
- Ground Pork
- Filling/Vegetables to Add:
- Bread Crumbs, Crushed Crackers, or Oatmeal
- Dijon Mustard
- Green or Red Bell Pepper
- Onion
- Rotel Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Topping:
- BBQ Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Ketchup Mixture
- Tomato Soup
- Hot Sauce
- Tangy Glaze like Chili Sauce
- Spices
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning or other Italian Herbs
My Semi-Healthy and Easy Meatloaf with NO Mess
As I mentioned, I use lean ground turkey in my meatloaf mixture. I add an egg just like everyone else, but I do not add bread crumbs, crackers, or any other filler. Besides the extra calories, I actually like the texture without the fillers.
This recipe feeds 4 people easily. It is easy to double if you need to serve more or like to have leftovers.
Any meatloaf recipe will work with this method, but in case you don’t already have one, I am sharing the meatloaf recipe I use.
Meatloaf Ingredients
Ingredients
Topping or Glaze Ingredients
NO Mess Secret
Instead of using a large bowl and mixing the meatloaf by hand, add the ingredients to a gallon size freezer bag. You can mix it through the bag as you “mash” it. When it is mixed well, you just pour it directly into a loaf pan or baking dish.
You never have to touch the meatloaf mixture, and your prep time will literally be 5 minutes or less!
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Add all of the meatloaf ingredients (Not the topping ingredients)Â to a gallon freezer bag and mash it together until it is mixed well. Lean ground turkey usually mixes faster that ground beef.
- Pour the meatloaf mixture into a baking dish of your choice. We use a 8X11 baking dish, but you can also use a loaf pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven. (Cook time may vary with different ovens. Also, using a loaf pan may require more baking time than a regular baking dish.)
- While it is baking, mix together 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup water until it is smooth.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. If there is a lot of grease around the meatloaf, you can pour some of it off at this time if you want.
- Pour the ketchup topping on top of the meatloaf and put back into the oven for 10 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a couple of minutes, and enjoy!
Other Tips and Ideas
- Serve with green beans and mashed potatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Serve meatloaf leftovers on white bread to make sandwiches.
- For a more traditional meatloaf recipe, see the post, “Church Ladies’ Favorite Potluck Recipes (Main Meals).” Rita shared her meatloaf recipe, and it is delicious!
Helpful Items
You really don’t need a lot of supplies to make a No Mess Meatloaf. You can basically pull it off with 4 items:
- Gallon Freezer Bags
- Loaf Pan or Baking Dish
- Spatula or Large Spoon
- Measuring Cup
Whether you use my recipe or stick to a more traditional meatloaf, I hope you will give this no mess method a try the next time you decide to make one. This easy dinner has been a game changer for me!Â
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Recipe Card – Easy Meatloaf with NO Mess
Easy Meatloaf with No Mess
This easy meatloaf recipe is very versatile, so you can tailor it to your family's likes. It is also a NO mess meatloaf!
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 1/2 Lb. Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 1 Egg
- 1 Can of Rotel Tomatoes
- 4-6 oz. Tomato Sauce (You don't want it to be too soupy.)
- Salt and Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Ketchup
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Add all of the meatloaf ingredients (except the ketchup and water) to a gallon freezer bag and mash it together until it is mixed well. Turkey usually mixes faster that ground beef.
- Pour the meatloaf mixture into a baking dish of your choice. We use a 8X11 baking dish, but you can also use a loaf pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- While it is baking, mix together 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup water until it is smooth.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. If there is a lot of grease around the meatloaf, you can pour some of it off at this time if you want.
- Pour the ketchup topping on top of the meatloaf and put back into the oven for 10 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a couple of minutes, and enjoy!
Notes
Best Meatloaf Tip!
Instead of using a large bowl and mixing the meatloaf by hand, add the ingredients to a gallon size freezer bag. You can mix it through the bag as you "mash" it. When it is mixed well, you just pour it directly into a loaf pan or baking dish.
Do you have other kitchen tips that make life easier? I would love to hear them! I am all about making things easier in the kitchen!
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Until next week,
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“How sweet Your Word is to my taste – sweeter than honey in my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103
This is such a genius solution, Susan! My Dad and brothers in laws all love meatloaf but the texture of meat turns me off so much that I never make it for them. They are going to be elated when I surprise them with your recipe. Thanks so much for sharing easy recipes like this, it gives me the confidence to cook! Hugs, CoCo
You are so welcome! I am all about easy meals! 😂
Im sure going to do this tip with the ziplock bag. And this meatloaf recipe is super easy with all our favorite flavors and healthy, I’m gonna make with our Heinz No Sugar Added ketchup
I hope you love it!
I love the idea of a no mess meatloaf. I haven’t made one in ages, I just may need to get busy because this is a favorite of my husband’s. Thank you for the tip Susan! I am gluten free so I do not use breadcrumbs, but I have used oats. It was an interesting texture. I think I am with you, no fillers are best, and you are right, you do not miss the added calories anyway! Thank you again Susan!
I hope you enjoy it! My husband loves beef, but I love it with turkey best.