Grass-fed Ground Beef Meatloaf Recipe
Enjoy a cozy family dinner with this classic meatloaf recipe, paired perfectly with creamy green onion mashed potatoes and a colorful vegetable medley. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this hearty meal is perfect for chilly nights or any time you’re craving comfort food!

Dinner doesn’t have to be hard. You can make a hearty and healthy meal in just a few simple steps!
I had some grass fed ground beef that I turned into meatloaf using my mom’s recipe…aka the only meatloaf I have ever liked! I served it with homemade green onion mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley! It was the perfect, cold weather dinner!
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Video Tutorial
I love this recipe because it’s full of flavor, but isn’t too sweet. The ketchup and brown sugar topping caramelizes beautifully as it bakes in the oven, creating a perfectly sweet and slightly tangy crust that enhances the flavor of the meatloaf. This glaze not only adds a rich depth of flavor but also locks in moisture, ensuring each slice is tender and delicious. It’s the ideal finishing touch that takes this classic comfort dish to the next level.
Recipe Card

Grass-fed Ground Beef Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- bread loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb grass fed ground beef
- 1/2 large onion diced
- 3 small sweet peppers diced
- 1 egg
- 2 tbs milk
- 5 unsalted tops Saltine crackers crushed
- 12 oz ketchup
- 2 tbs brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, diced onion, diced peppers, egg, milk, crackers and 8 ounces of ketchup with a handheld meat grinder or fork
- Transfer the meat mixture to a bread loaf pan and gently press it down to form an even layer
- Pour the remaining 4 ounces of ketchup on top of the meat, use a spoon if needed to spread it out
- Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the ketchup, use a fork to incorporate the brown sugar into the ketchup
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf (it should reach 160°F for safe consumption). If needed, continue baking in 5-minute increments until done
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing
- Serve and enjoy!
Side Dish Suggestions
As I mentioned, I served my meatloaf with green onion mashed potatoes – a dish I am absolutely loving lately! I used Yukon gold potatoes and seasoned then with milk, butter, salt, garlic and chopped green onions. Ohhh, so good!
You can also serve with regular mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable of choice.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? – Yes, of course! However, I have never used ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef so I cannot personally attest to how it would taste
- How do I make this gluten-free? – To make this gluten-free, omit the saltine crackers and replace with plain oats
- Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time? – Yes! You can mix all of the ingredients beforehand and place it in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap the bread loaf pan with plastic wrap. When ready to make, place in the oven and bake
Give It A Try!
My entire family loves this meal! It’s such a great, fast and healthy recipe on a cold winter’s night! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback—did you make any substitutions or add your own twist? Leave a comment below and share your experience!
Don’t forget to rate the recipe and tag me on social media if you share your creation—I can’t wait to see your delicious meatloaf! Looking for more comforting recipes? Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly inspiration straight to your inbox!”
