Straight out of Snoop Dogg’s cookbook, From Crook to Cook, this Easy Meatloaf is a classic, no-fuss comfort-food staple that hits the spot every single time. It’s straightforward, incredibly satisfying, and relies on pantry-friendly ingredients to guarantee a moist, flavorful loaf with that essential sweet-and-tangy ketchup glaze on top.
Here is how to whip up Snoop’s go-to recipe:
Ingredients
-
The Meat Base:
-
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is best for moisture and flavor)
-
½ lb ground pork (optional, but adds extra juiciness)
-
-
The Binder & Moisture Builders:
-
1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
-
½ cup milk
-
1 large egg
-
-
The Aromatics & Seasoning:
-
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (or ½ cup minced onion)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
-
The Glaze:
-
½ cup ketchup (plus extra for slathering on top)
-
Optional twist: Mix a pinch of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar into the topping ketchup for an extra punch of sweet-tangy flavor.
-
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly grease a standard loaf pan, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form loaf with more caramelized edges.
-
-
Soak the Breadcrumbs (The Secret to Juiciness):
-
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the crumbs absorb the liquid. This acts as a moisture lock, keeping the meatloaf from drying out in the oven.
-
-
Mix the Meatloaf Base:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef (and pork), the soaked breadcrumb mixture, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of ketchup.
-
Pro Tip: Use your hands to gently mix until everything is just incorporated. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf will turn out dense and tough instead of tender.
-
-
Shape and Glaze:
-
Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently without packing it too tightly. Alternatively, shape it into an even 8×4-inch loaf right on your lined baking sheet.
-
Generously spread an extra layer of ketchup over the top.
-
-
Bake to Perfection:
-
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes to get that top glaze sticky, caramelized, and bubbly.
-
-
Rest and Slice:
-
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting step allows the juices to redistribute so your slices hold their shape.
-
💡 Serving Suggestions
Serve it up alongside a mountain of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or roasted green beans. And remember—meatloaf leftovers make the absolute greatest cold-cut or toasted sandwiches the next day!