When it comes to comfort food, this easy basic meatloaf recipe is a classic favorite for many people. There are as many meatloaf recipes as there are cooks, and many of them include dairy. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you might be wondering how to make this delicious meal without milk.

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to whip up a mouthwatering meatloaf without a single drop of milk or any other dairy in sight. And you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to make it!

I’ve placed a printable recipe card at the end of this post for your convenience.

Best Meatloaf Recipe for Weeknight Meal or Dinner Party

In this blog post, I’ll share a simple and scrumptious recipe that uses non-dairy ingredients with very little fuss. This is a great recipe that delivers a flavorful meatloaf that has lots of flexibility. This delicious recipe goes with everything from these yummy buttermilk garlic mashed potatoes to a crunchy and satisfying bacon-lettuce-and-tomato salad. I’ve listed more side dish ideas farther down.

It’s a traditional meatloaf that is flexible enough to accommodate food allergies. You can enjoy this yummy dish, even if you’re lactose intolerant or have Celiac disease. Can you have dairy? If so, meatloaf is also delicious with this creamy cheesy Tater Tot casserole. In fact, this casserole goes with almost any main dish, and it always brings smiles to people’s faces after the first bite!

Meatloaf Ingredients

All of the ingredients in this recipe are available at any grocery store. You might even have most of them in your pantry.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 poun ground beef
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup panko or bread crumbs (regular, gluten-free, or pork panko)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Dash of black pepper

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (regular or gluten-free)

How to Make a Meatloaf Without Milk

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, panko (you can use either the original or pork panko for added flavor), salt, and a dash of black pepper.

Mix these simple ingredients well to create the foundation of your delicious meatloaf. I started out mixing it with a spoon, but then I switched to using my hands. It’s much easier.

Pour the meatloaf mixture into the loaf pan, ensuring an even distribution across the top. Or you can use a casserole dish and shape it into a classic meatloaf loaf shape for that traditional feel.

Prepare the Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, prepare the flavorful sauce by mixing 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of prepared yellow mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This tangy glaze will add a burst of flavor to your meatloaf.

Pour the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf, coating it with that delectable sauce. It thickens as it cooks.

Bake your meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes. The internal temperature should reach a safe level (160˚ F) for ground meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. Once your meatloaf is beautifully browned and cooked through, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for ensuring a moist meatloaf.

Now, you have a mouthwatering meatloaf that’s dairy-free and utterly delicious. The combination of flavors from the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup, along with the savory ground beef, will leave you craving more.

What’s great about this easy meatloaf recipe without milk is that it’s not only suitable for those with dairy allergies but also for anyone looking to enjoy a fantastic meal. I prefer panko breadcrumbs because they add a wonderful texture. But if you prefer, feel free to use whatever bread crumbs you have on hand. 

This time, I used pork panko, but I’ve used gluten-free breadcrumbs many times. Another option is gluten-free oats. If I use oats, I run them through the food processor first. The Worcestershire sauce provides a depth of flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level. If you have to be gluten-free, check the ingredients on the label because some Worcestershire sauce has gluten.

Meatloaf Recipe Variations

And if you’re curious about more recipe variations, you can always substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken, depending on your personal preference or possible food allergies. Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary requirements, making it a favorite in many households.

Here are other ingredients that you can add to change the flavor to suit your taste:

• Brown sugar (just a smidge)
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Chili sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Coconut milk
• Non-dairy milk
• Chopped green peppers
• Ground cayenne
• Italian seasoning
• Chili powder

What to Do with Leftover Meatloaf 

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh for 3-4 days. Meatloaf makes for a great next day meal, whether served as a sandwich or alongside some fresh greens. If you’ve never had a meatloaf sandwich, you need to try it. It’s so good!

If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat your leftover meatloaf in the next few days, you can freeze it for up to a couple of months. Be sure to put the meatloaf in an airtight container and label it with what it is and the date.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

You can actually serve any of your favorite side dishes with this delicious meatloaf. Here are some of our favorites:

Classic Mac and Cheese Casserole – You’ll love the rich, creamy layers of pasta, draped in velvety cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Pineapple Baked Beans – Get ready to be blown away by the sweet and savory combo of these pineapple baked beans! Juicy pineapple tidbits add a tropical twist to classic side dish.

Corn Casserole – Whip up this creamy corn casserole! Cream cheese and zesty green chiles meld for a side dish that’ll have everyone craving seconds. It’s perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners.

Air Fried Green Beans – Here’s some crispy, guilt-free goodness! These air-fried green beans are seasoned to perfection and served piping hot. Satisfy your cravings with a crunch.

Roasted Parmesan Carrots – These roasted Parmesan carrots are pure veggie deliciousness! Tender, caramelized carrots meet a cheesy, crispy parmesan topping for a side dish that’s simply irresistible. 

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls – These dinner rolls from Back to My Southern Roots are soft and delicious! They are a great side to serve with any meal.

Balsamic Glazed Zucchini – You won’t believe how easy this delicious side dish is. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance to your veggies without a ton of effort.

Meatloaf Recipe the Entire Family Will Love

This simple and delicious meatloaf is a classic recipe with simple ingredients and a fantastic twist for those who prefer a dairy-free option. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are just looking for a tasty dish, this easy meatloaf recipe without milk has you covered.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, try out this dairy-free meatloaf recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes. Enjoy!

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