Description
Hearty Old Fashioned Meatloaf brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending ground beef, herbs, and classic seasonings into a nostalgic meal. Families will savor each tender slice, rediscovering why this traditional American dinner remains a beloved staple on dinner tables across the country.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients:
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 beaten egg
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the caramelizing glaze by whisking together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until smooth and well-combined. Set the vibrant mixture aside for later use.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently crumble the ground beef, creating a loose base. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated onion evenly across the meat’s surface.
- Create a separate mixture by combining beef broth, egg, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and selected seasonings. Pour this flavorful liquid directly over the beef, then use hands to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients until uniformly blended.
- Grease a bread pan and spread a thin layer of prepared sauce on the bottom. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, pressing firmly to create an even, compact loaf shape.
- Generously coat the entire surface of the meatloaf with remaining sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum caramelization.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position the meatloaf in the center rack and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F for perfect doneness.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the meat retain its structure and enhances overall flavor before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance meat texture by using a mix of ground beef and pork for added moisture and richer flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf that crumbles when sliced.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for celiac-friendly version.
- Create make-ahead option by preparing the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerating before baking for deeper flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg