Line a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or roasting pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 beaten eggs, ? cup ketchup, ¾ cup water and 1 packet dry onion soup mix.
Add 1½ cups breadcrumbs and stir until evenly combined.
Add 2 pounds lean ground beef and gently mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with additional ketchup on top, if desired.
Video
Notes
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Meatloaf
Breadcrumbs - Make sure not to skip the breadcrumb ingredients. It absorbs and retain the fat and juices to keep moist meatloaf. We used Panko Breadcrumbs, but you can use saltine crackers or stuffing mix.
Top with a Glaze - We usually top the meatloaf with a can of tomato sauce but you can use a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar. You can even top with bacon for a hearty meatloaf.
Baking Sheet - Use a baking sheet instead of baking dish.
Variations
Add in Different Meat - If you prefer, you can add in pork or ground sausage or ground turkey with the ground beef.
Mix in Cheese - For a cheesy meatloaf mix in she shredded cheese or parmesan cheese. It gets really melty after cooking and gives it so much flavor.
Stir in additional sauce - This meatloaf can be changed by adding in worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or A1 sauce. It adds so much flavor and moisture to the meat mixture. You can even add in BBQ for a BBQ meatloaf.
Add in vegetables - To sneak in vegetables, chop up carrots, celery mushrooms or zucchini.