Ah, the classic old-fashioned meatloaf — hearty, comforting, and perfect with mashed potatoes and gravy 🍽️. Here’s a traditional recipe that hits all the nostalgic notes:
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or mix half beef, half pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Topping: ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Mix gently with hands — don’t overwork the meat or it becomes tough.
3️⃣ Shape loaf
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan.
- Spread ketchup or tomato sauce evenly on top.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake 60–75 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end for a slightly caramelized finish.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or green beans.
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
- Use day-old bread for breadcrumbs — they absorb moisture better.
- Mix half beef, half pork for juicier texture.
- Add a bit of grated carrot or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be sliced for sandwiches — even better the next day!
If you want, I can also give a “retro diner-style, extra cheesy meatloaf with a sweet glaze” version that’s exactly like Grandma used to make.
Do you want me to do that?
