This microwave meatloaf is INCREDIBLE!!! It is really simple and quick and seriously you NEED to try it! Even my dad who is sceptic of cooking meat in the microwave was impressed. I use quick cooking oats in this recipe (so it can be gluten free!) and I found that by using oats and milk over breadcrumbs and egg it keep the meatloaf wonderfully moist despite being cooked in the microwave. *To be honest I used oats because I was out of bread and was really hungry XD* But it is delicious!

I make this almost weekly and it is great for if friends come over (just double the recipe for 2 of you). It can also be a quick and impressive meal.

This is my base recipe for the meatloaf you can add so much to it to make it taste even better. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ALMOST ENDLESS! (Look at the last step for suggestions)

I hope that you like it and please let me know if you do!

Step 1: Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients:

-150g Beef mince (I use low fat mince to be healthier also to have less fat floating on top)

- 2 1/2 Teaspoons quick cook oats (if you only have regular oats just put them in a food processor for afew pulses)

- 2 1/2 Teaspoons milk ( I used skim milk I don't think it really matters, you could also use water if you have issues with dairy)

- 1 Tablespoon ketchup or barbeque sauce + extra for decoration (This depends on your preference I find the barbeque was better for my dad as he said it had a "Smokey flavour")

- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder (can be omitted if you are worried about your breath but if you can KEEP IT IN!!)

- 1/4 Teaspoon onion salt

- 1/2 Teaspoon salt

- 1/2 Teaspoon finely ground pepper (optional but delicious)

- Greens to decorate

Equipment:

- Small bowl

- Microwave safe ramekin or mug at least 1 cup capacity

- Fork and spoon

Step 2: Make Meat Mix

So this recipe could not be simpler (I love easy recipes!). First place your mince in your small bowl and add your quick cook oats and milk. Then add all the dry seasonings and your preferred sauce.

Then with a fork (or spoon) combine all the ingredients together. I use a fork because I find it mushes the ingredients together better, giving a more even meatloaf.

The mixture should be very soft at this point.

Then transfer the meat mixture into your ramekin or mug. You do not need to grease your ramekin I find that it easily comes out once it is cooked.

Step 3: Cook in the Microwave

To cook the meat loaf place it in the microwave (mine is 1100 watts) for about 5 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how tall of flat your mixture is in your ramekin. My 'flatter' ramekin took 5 minutes and 30 seconds to cook all the way through. Be very careful when removing the meatloaf from the microwave as it will be very hot.

If you are worried about undercooked meat and bacteria you can use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches about 75 degrees Celsius (My hard work and researching on Google told me this value). I mainly just check that I use fresh and good quality meat and make sure that the centre is not pink.

Step 4: Plate Up and Eat!

Allow the meatloaf to cool for a minute as it will be extremely hot. With your extra sauce you can decorate the top I love putting hearts or smiley faces on my food! I mean who wouldn't love getting food made with love topped off with a love heart?

I also find this goes really well with broccoli (I may be broccoli biased) but it also would go lovely with a salad and chips.

Step 5: Other Variations

As this is my microwave meatloaf 'base' recipe I suggest you get creative and add other ingredients yourself. Additional ingredients that I have tried and love are

- Chives, cheese and onion

- Bacon and onion

- Mozzarella cheese ball in the centre (So stringy and delicious!)

- Grated vegetables like carrot, mushroom and zucchini (make sure you squish out excess water from the vegetables especially zucchini and add extra salt)

I hope you feel creative!!