Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Classic Homemade Meatloaf is a hearty dish that warms the soul. It’s a comforting meal that brings families together around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, meatloaf is a favorite for many. This recipe will guide you to create a delicious and satisfying homemade meatloaf the whole family will love.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Classic Homemade Meatloaf is worthwhile for many reasons. It is budget-friendly, using a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Moreover, meatloaf can be easily customized to fit your tastes. It’s also perfect for meal prepping or leftovers, as it stays delicious for several days. Enjoying a slice of meatloaf can bring back fond memories of home-cooked meals!

How to Make Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into an even loaf.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
9. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help keep it juicy.
11. Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Serve your Classic Homemade Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra ketchup or gravy for added flavor. This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides.

How to Store Classic Homemade Meatloaf

To store leftover meatloaf, first let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the meatloaf is heated to a safe internal temperature.

Tips to Make Classic Homemade Meatloaf

• Choose a mix of ground beef with some fat for a juicier meatloaf.
• For a flavor boost, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing it; this keeps it moist.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding different seasonings or using ground turkey for a healthier option. For a BBQ twist, try substituting barbecue sauce for ketchup. You can also add cheese into the mixture for a cheesy meatloaf.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to beef.

2. Can I make meatloaf in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and bake it when you are ready.

3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
   Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing Classic Homemade Meatloaf!

Classic Homemade Meatloaf

A hearty and comforting dish that brings families together, perfect for meal prepping and leftovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef Choose a mix with some fat for best results.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional) For added flavor.

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into an even loaf.

Glazing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
2. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Baking

1. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
3. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Serving

1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help keep it juicy.
2. Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For added flavor, you can include finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.