Delicious Family-Style Meatloaf Recipe That Everyone Loves

Crafting a delectable meatloaf that sparks conversation around the dinner table brings pure joy to home cooking.

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty dish that surprises everyone at first bite.

Generations of cooks have perfected their unique twist on this classic comfort food.

Juicy, tender meat blends with carefully selected seasonings to create a mouthwatering experience.

Robust flavors mingle beneath a golden-brown crust that promises satisfaction in every slice.

Packed with love and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite and share this culinary masterpiece with those closest to you.

Store and Reheat Family-Style Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, add small splash of broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with This Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its dense texture with smooth tannins.
• Create Creamy Mashed Potato Side: Whip up garlic-infused mashed potatoes with butter and cream, offering a silky contrast to the hearty meatloaf and absorbing the delicious glaze.
• Brighten with Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing, providing a crisp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between savory meatloaf bites.
• Match with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a malty amber ale or brown ale that echoes the caramelized glaze, enhancing the umami flavors and adding depth to the meal's overall profile.

Tasty Options for Family-Style Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that's still packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the meatloaf celiac-friendly.
• Vegetable-Boosted Blend: Mix in finely chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add extra moisture.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative for the glaze to keep carbohydrates low.

FAQs

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

Ground beef provides lean meat, while ground pork adds extra moisture and richness, creating a more flavorful and tender meatloaf.

• Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes meal prep easier.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What can I do if the meatloaf becomes too dry?

To prevent dryness, avoid overmixing the meat, use a combination of ground meats, and don’t overbake. The milk and eggs also help keep the meatloaf moist.

Family-Style Meatloaf Recipe Highlights

• This meatloaf transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that brings families together around the dinner table with its rich, satisfying flavors.
• Minimal chopping and mixing make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• The combination of ground beef and pork, coupled with a sweet and tangy glaze, delivers a mouthwatering taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Easily adaptable for meal prep, this meatloaf serves multiple people, provides excellent leftovers, and pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

What Goes into Family-Style Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture for the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and extra depth to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Work together to help keep the meatloaf tender and hold the mixture together.
• Eggs: Serve as a natural binding agent that helps maintain the meatloaf's structure.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic and savory undertones to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex flavor profile to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf for a delicious finishing touch.

How to Make the Family-Style Meatloaf

Step 1: Mixing the Meat Base

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold and blend the ingredients using your hands or a fork.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.

The goal is to combine everything just until incorporated.

Step 2: Forming the Perfect Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture onto a lined baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan.

Use your hands to shape it into a smooth, even loaf.

Create a slightly rounded top to ensure uniform cooking and an attractive presentation.

Step 3: Creating a Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Spread this glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, covering the entire surface for a delicious caramelized finish.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Place the meatloaf in the center rack and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – you’re aiming for 160F (71C).

Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

• Handle the meat mixture gently and mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Use milk-soaked breadcrumbs to ensure the meatloaf stays moist without becoming dense or heavy.
• Experiment with different ground meat combinations like beef, pork, and veal for a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the meatloaf is cooked through without becoming dry.
• Brush the glaze in layers during the last 15 minutes of baking for a caramelized, glossy finish that adds extra flavor complexity.

Ultimate Family-Style Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting classic meatloaf brings nostalgic kitchen memories to life with perfectly seasoned ground beef and hearty ingredients. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this dish a welcome centerpiece you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pounds (227 grams) ground pork

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 large eggs

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately fold ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper together using a light touch to maintain meat’s tenderness.
2. Transfer the amalgamated protein mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sculpting it into a symmetrical loaf with gentle, even pressure to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Craft a vibrant glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until the ingredients meld into a glossy, harmonious coating.
4. Lavishly brush the prepared glaze across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a glistening, caramelized exterior.
5. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 375F (190C). Slide the meatloaf into the heated chamber and roast for approximately 50-60 minutes.
6. Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should register precisely 160F (71C), signaling safe and perfect cooking.
7. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a succulent texture when sliced.

Notes

• Use a gentle touch when mixing meats to prevent dense, tough meatloaf texture.
• Choose a mix of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Consider using panko breadcrumbs for lighter, airier meatloaf consistency.
• Swap traditional glaze with alternatives like BBQ sauce or honey-mustard for exciting flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg