This5 ingredient meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a simple and lighter take on traditional meatloaf. Made with few ingredients, it’s quick to assemble and bake for a classic weeknight dinner that the entire family will enjoy! {Low carb & Gluten-free}
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over top. Spray with cooking spray.
Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Allow to cool for several minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked onion, parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper until just combined.
Form the mixture into a loaf on the wire rack. If you don't have a wire rack, you can bake the meat loaf directly on a greased foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
Remove meatloaf from oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the oven for 5-15 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Cut into slices and serve with your favourite sides.
Notes
Do not over mix: Mix the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. If you over mix them, it may result in a more dense meatloaf.
Use lean meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). 80/20 is ideal for the best flavour and consistency without too much additional fat.
Skip the loaf pan: Use a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack to cook this meatloaf recipe. The fat will drip off the wire rack, resulting in a more crisp exterior. A loaf pan, on the other hand, will cause the meatloaf to steam in the drippings instead of crisping up.
Allow meatloaf to rest: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven to redistribute the juices and make it easier to slice without falling apart.