meatloaf recipe without bread crumbs
- The Best meatloaf recipe without bread crumbs
- Classic Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Classic Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce
The Best meatloaf recipe without bread crumbs
The best part? It’s easy to customize. Swap in herbs, spices, or even a little wine to keep it fresh, and it’ll still taste like home. My husband swears by adding a little tomato paste for depth, and my kids love the way the carrots and onions make it extra tender. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little love in every bite—comfort food at its best, without any fuss. And since it doesn’t rely on breadcrumbs, it’s also a little lighter than traditional meatloaf, which makes it a great option for anyone watching their carb intake without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough to make by memory but still feels like a real effort when you take the time to make it right.
Classic Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce
A tender, flavorful meatloaf without breadcrumbs, served with a rich tomato-garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, carrots, celery, egg, almond milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined. -
2
Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Press down lightly to shape. Bake for 25 minutes. -
3
While the meatloaf bakes, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
4
Once the meatloaf is nearly done (about 23 minutes), remove it from the oven and spoon the tomato-garlic sauce evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 7–10 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen shears
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Baking sheet
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Breadless Meatloaf with Garlic Tomato Sauce
1. What makes this breadcrumb-free meatloaf so tender?
This version relies on a few key techniques. Instead of breadcrumbs, we use a mix of finely chopped onions, mushrooms, and a light binding from egg whites and a touch of breadcrumbs (if you omit them entirely, the meatloaf may be slightly denser but still flavorful).
2. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey works well, but keep in mind it may require slightly less seasoning to avoid overpowering the dish. Use the same cooking time, and the texture will be similar to beef.
3. How do I ensure the meatloaf stays moist without breadcrumbs?
Moisture comes from the egg whites, a bit of milk or buttermilk in the batter, and letting it rest before baking. Let the meatloaf sit covered for 20 minutes after assembling before baking to help it hold together and retain juices.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover meatloaf?
For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out.
