Easy Sweet & Savory Meatloaf (A Balanced Weeknight Dinner for Busy Moms)

Balanced dinners don’t have to be extravagant — they just need to be nourishing, realistic, and doable.

As a mom of three with busy seasons ramping up and schedules that are constantly shifting, I don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. One of my greatest joys as a wife and mom is filling the bellies of my family with meals that feel comforting and supportive — without adding stress to my day.

This Sweet & Savory Meatloaf is one of those recipes that’s been on repeat in our home for years. It’s simple, satisfying, kid-approved, and comes together quickly — which makes it a win all around.

Sweet & Savory Meatloaf Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Serves: 4–6 Style: Balanced, family-friendly comfort food

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 scoop bone broth powder

• 1–2 tbsp flaxseed

• 1 egg

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)

• Pure maple syrup

• BBQ sauce

• Ketchup

💡 Tip: I keep simple, high-quality pantry staples on hand to make meals like this easy. I’ve linked my favorite kitchen and pantry essentials in my Amazon storefront below.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bone broth powder, flaxseed, egg, and seasonings.

3. Add just under 1 tablespoon each of maple syrup, BBQ sauce, and ketchup to the mixture.

4. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

5. Place the mixture into a baking-safe pan and shape into a loaf.

6. Lightly drizzle a small amount of maple syrup, BBQ sauce, and ketchup over the top.

7. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

We love serving this meatloaf with:

• French fries or baked potatoes

• A simple side salad

• Fresh fruit

It’s an easy, well-rounded dinner that everyone at the table enjoys.

In our kitchen, we prioritize gut health, feeding our family well, and enjoying our food — without stressing over every single ingredient.

You’ll often see oats, breadcrumbs, or crackers added to meatloaf recipes. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s, working as an in-home caregiver, that I learned about a simple addition that completely changed the flavor: pure maple syrup.

It adds the perfect sweet-but-savory balance and makes this dish just a little more enjoyable — especially for kids. Sometimes it’s the smallest shifts that make meals feel comforting instead of complicated.

Let’s Connect

I’d love to know — what’s one dinner your family never gets tired of?

👇 Share in the comments below so we can inspire each other.

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From My Kitchen to Yours

Thank you so much for being here. I’m Ashley — a mom who believes food should nourish your body, support your family, and never steal your peace.

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If this recipe blesses your family, leaving a comment or sharing it helps other moms find simple, nourishing meals too.

With grace,

Ashley