Old Fashioned Meatloaf recipe

For a comforting, classic dinner, nothing beats an old-fashioned meatloaf. This recipe brings together savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and a perfect blend of seasonings. It’s simple, hearty, and delivers a taste of nostalgia with every bite.

The juicy meatloaf is topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar. This signature topping caramelizes as it bakes, adding irresistible flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful loaf beneath.

Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables, this meatloaf is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Ideal for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers, it’s the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf Ingredients

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this classic dish, bringing richness and savory depth.

Bread crumbs bind everything together, creating a tender texture.

Diced onions lend a subtle sweetness and flavor to each bite.

A beaten egg ensures moisture and helps hold the loaf intact.

Worcestershire sauce infuses a tangy umami punch, while parsley brightens the dish with a touch of freshness.

The ketchup-based glaze adds a mouthwatering sweet and tangy finish, elevating this timeless comfort food.

Recipe Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat
   When combining the meatloaf ingredients, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough texture. Instead, lightly combine the ground beef with the other ingredients just until they’re evenly incorporated. This keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy after baking.
2. Let the Meatloaf Rest
   Once you pull the meatloaf from the oven, allow it to rest for about 8-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring each slice is moist. Cutting too soon may cause the loaf to fall apart.
3. Customize the Glaze
   The ketchup-based topping gives this meatloaf its signature sweet and tangy finish. For a spicier twist, you can mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a deeper flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard to elevate the glaze further.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Meatloaf

1. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish for meatloaf. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes perfectly balances the savory flavors of the meatloaf. You can even drizzle some of the meatloaf’s glaze over the potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   A side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, adds a healthy and colorful component to your meal. The caramelized sweetness of roasted veggies pairs beautifully with the rich, savory meatloaf, providing a well-rounded dinner plate.
3. Buttery Dinner Rolls
   Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or juices from the meatloaf. Plus, they add a comforting, homemade touch to your meal, making it feel like a true family dinner.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef. Keep in mind that using leaner meats like turkey or chicken may result in a drier meatloaf, so you may need to add a bit more moisture or fat.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it in the loaf pan a day ahead. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the glaze and pop it in the oven.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the meatloaf with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
   Yes! You can finely chop or grate vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers and mix them into the meatloaf. Not only does this boost the nutritional value, but it also adds extra moisture and flavor to the dish.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf

For a comforting, classic dinner, nothing beats an old-fashioned meatloaf. This recipe brings together savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and a perfect blend of seasonings. It’s simple, hearty, and delivers a taste of nostalgia with every bite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg beaten
• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. dried parsley leaves
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• For the Topping:
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients using your hands until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring a consistent mixture.
• Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and press it down evenly, forming a compact layer.
• In a smaller bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar until smooth. Spread this sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for approximately 55 minutes, until fully cooked through.
• Once baking is complete, allow the meatloaf to rest for 8-10 minutes before slicing and serving to maintain its structure and retain moisture.

Keyword Old Fashioned Meatloaf