Meat

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Name: Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley; ½ cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

September 2, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that has been loved for generations. It’s hearty, simple, and packed with flavor. This recipe takes you back to the good old days of family dinners at the table, where a juicy meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and green beans were a classic trio. The best part is the delicious glaze on top—a sweet and tangy combination that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding the perfect finishing touch.

Unlike fancy or complicated meals, this dish relies on simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and seasonings. Yet, when they’re combined and baked to perfection, you get a wholesome, satisfying main course that never goes out of style.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true comfort food classic—warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Every slice has that perfect balance of savory meat, subtle sweetness from the glaze, and tenderness from the breadcrumb mixture. It’s affordable, easy to make, and fills the house with an irresistible aroma while baking. I also love how versatile it is—you can serve it as a family dinner centerpiece or enjoy leftovers in sandwiches. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is a must-try because it captures the essence of traditional home cooking. It’s not just food—it’s nostalgia, comfort, and love served together. It’s:

Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores and freezes well.
Customizable: Easily adapted with variations and add-ins.

If you’ve never made meatloaf from scratch, this recipe is the best place to start.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Calories per Serving: ~320 calories (varies by ingredients)

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American (Classic Comfort Food)
Course: Main Dish / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme or parsley (optional)

For the Glaze:

½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined.
Shape mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
Mix glaze ingredients and spread half over the top of the loaf.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Brush with remaining glaze and bake for another 15 minutes until cooked through.
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
Prepare Meatloaf Mix – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands until combined (avoid overmixing).
Shape the Loaf – Transfer the mixture to the pan or form a loaf shape on the baking sheet.
Make the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Spread half over the loaf.
Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove, brush with remaining glaze, and return to bake for 15 more minutes.
Check Doneness – Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve – Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

How to Serve

Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
Pair with a side of fresh salad or dinner rolls.
Use leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches with extra glaze or BBQ sauce.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the meat—it can make the loaf dense.
Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Letting it rest before slicing keeps juices locked in.
Use ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20) for juiciness.

Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf – Add mozzarella or cheddar in the center.
BBQ Meatloaf – Swap glaze with barbecue sauce.
Turkey Meatloaf – Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Vegetable Add-in – Add grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Loaf pan or baking sheet
Meat thermometer (for best results)
Foil or parchment paper

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food—simple, budget-friendly, and timeless. With its juicy, flavorful interior and caramelized glaze topping, it’s a meal that brings families together and never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or Sunday supper, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

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