Easy Family-Pleasing Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food doesn’t get more classic than a perfectly seasoned old-fashioned meatloaf recipe that brings everyone to the table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish through simple, time-tested techniques.

Tender ground beef mingles with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a nostalgic meal that warms the soul.

Each slice tells a story of traditional home cooking, rich with memories and flavor.

The secret lies in combining quality ingredients with love and care.

Robust and satisfying, this meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast that celebrates the timeless art of home cooking.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this ultimate comfort classic.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the fat content is similar to keep the meatloaf moist.

• Is it okay to skip the Worcestershire sauce?

While it adds depth of flavor, you can omit it. Consider replacing with soy sauce or a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and taste.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the meat, use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and let it rest after baking. The milk and egg in the recipe also help keep it juicy.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Why This Old-School Meatloaf Is a Classic

• Hands-on mixing and shaping make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious meal with minimal kitchen skills.
• Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like adjusting glaze sweetness or adding extra herbs, making it perfect for creative home cooks who love to experiment.
• Classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia, guaranteed to please both kids and adults with its familiar, hearty flavors and satisfying texture.
• One-pan recipe reduces kitchen mess, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that minimize washing up and save precious time after cooking.

What You’ll Need for This Hearty Dish

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich foundation for the classic meatloaf.

• Bread Crumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients help hold the meatloaf together and create a tender texture.

• Onion, Worcestershire Sauce, Parsley, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and aromatic complexity to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar: A sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking and provides a delicious finishing touch.

How to Make Meatloaf With Zero Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Oven Environment

Heat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent cooking temperature for perfect meatloaf results.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Chopped onion
• Milk
• Beaten egg
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly using hands, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain a tender texture.

Step 3: Form Meatloaf Shape

Gently press the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a compact loaf on a baking sheet.

Ensure an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Develop Sweet-Tangy Glaze

Whisk together ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl.

Generously spread the glaze over the meatloaf surface, creating a delicious caramelized topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 55 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Allow Resting and Serve

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 8-10 minutes.

This crucial step helps retain moisture and ensures clean, neat slices when serving.

Tips for Juicy Meatloaf That Doesn’t Crumble

• Use a combination of ground beef with 80/20 fat content to ensure moisture and rich flavor during cooking.
• Gently fold ingredients with fingertips instead of aggressively kneading to maintain a tender, light texture in the final dish.
• Apply glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning and create a caramelized, glossy topping.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and juicy meatloaf every time.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 8-10 minutes after baking, which helps proteins settle and makes cutting clean, neat slices much simpler.

Keep Leftovers Moist and Flavorful

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 250°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Comforting Sides That Go With Meatloaf

• Perfectly Pair Comfort Classics with Meatloaf
• Craft a Cozy Red Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf. These wines balance the meat's heartiness with smooth, fruity undertones.
• Serve Creamy Mashed Potato Sidekick: Whip up smooth, buttery mashed potatoes to create the ultimate comfort food duo. The creamy texture and mild flavor provide a perfect counterpoint to the tangy-sweet meatloaf glaze.
• Roast Vibrant Vegetable Medley: Prepare roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to add color and nutrition. Lightly seasoned and caramelized veggies will enhance the meatloaf's robust taste and provide a fresh contrast.
• Refresh with Crisp Garden Salad: Toss a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the meatloaf's richness. Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a bright dressing will cleanse the palate between hearty bites.

Different Spins on a Classic Recipe

• Veggie Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, adding extra mushrooms for umami flavor and moisture. Perfect for vegetarians seeking hearty comfort food.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all condiments are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Add extra herbs like sage or thyme to boost flavor and prevent dryness.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs, reducing carbohydrate content. Skip brown sugar in glaze, replacing with sugar-free alternative or using just ketchup for coating.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic in this old fashioned meatloaf recipe, delivering hearty midwest nostalgia straight to your dinner table. Savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, promises a satisfying meal that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) 90% lean ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Topping:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking results.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with bread crumbs, diced onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use hands to blend ingredients gently, avoiding excessive compression that could create a dense texture.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, spreading evenly and creating a uniform shape that promotes consistent cooking throughout.
4. Craft a sweet-tangy glaze by whisking ketchup and brown sugar until well integrated. Generously spread the mixture across the meatloaf’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Position the prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven, baking for approximately 55 minutes. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F to guarantee thorough cooking.
6. After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest for 8-10 minutes. This crucial pause enables juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture and facilitating clean, structured slicing.

Notes

• Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for richer flavor and varied texture.
• Avoid dense meatloaf by gently mixing ingredients and not compressing mixture too tightly when shaping.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of packaged for lighter, more tender result that absorbs moisture better.
• Replace ketchup with tomato sauce or BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg