There’s just something so heartwarming about a slice of old fashioned meatloaf, isn’t there? This timeless dish has a way of bringing families together around the dinner table, filling not just our bellies but our hearts with comfort. I remember my mom making it on chilly Sundays, filling the house with that irresistible aroma. The combination of savory beef, tangy ketchup, and just the right spices always felt like a warm hug. Trust me, this classic recipe will be a staple in your home too, perfect for cozy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Meatloaf
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best old fashioned meatloaf! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use plain or seasoned, whatever you have on hand)
- 1/2 cup milk (helps keep the loaf moist and tender)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (trust me, this is essential for that classic flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (adds a nice sweetness when cooked)
- 2 eggs (these act as a binder for all the deliciousness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this, it’s crucial for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (this adds a nice depth of flavor)
Make sure to measure everything out before you start mixing, it makes the process so much easier!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Meatloaf
Getting your old fashioned meatloaf ready is a breeze, and I promise it’s a fun process! Let’s walk through it step-by-step.
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that meatloaf to cook evenly and get that lovely, golden crust. While that’s happening, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in all your ingredients: the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onion, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, here’s the secret: you want to mix everything really well! Use your hands (it’s more fun!) or a sturdy spoon, but just make sure everything is combined. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
Shaping and Baking the Loaf
Once your mixture is all nice and combined, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. I like to form it gently, not too tight, and place it into a baking dish. Oh, and don’t forget to spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top—this gives it that classic meatloaf look and flavor! Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep it juicy. Trust me, you won’t want to skip that step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this old fashioned meatloaf! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul.
- Super easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week.
- Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches or as a quick snack!
- Customizable—add your favorite spices or veggies for a twist!
Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a family favorite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your old fashioned meatloaf turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, be careful not to overmix the meat; this can make your loaf dense instead of tender. Also, don’t skip on the ketchup topping—it’s a game changer for flavor and moisture! If you find your mixture too dry, add a splash more milk or a bit of barbecue sauce for sweetness. And if you love a little crunch, consider adding chopped bell peppers or carrots into the mix. Finally, remember to let it rest after baking; this little step makes all the difference in keeping it juicy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my old fashioned meatloaf (about one slice). Each slice contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a comforting meal you can feel good about!
FAQ About Old Fashioned Meatloaf
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about my old fashioned meatloaf recipe, so let’s dive in!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, but it might need a bit more seasoning to pack the same flavor punch.
How can I make my meatloaf more moist?
If you’re finding your meatloaf a little dry, try adding a bit more milk or even some diced tomatoes! These add moisture and flavor.
What should I serve with meatloaf?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with meatloaf. You can’t go wrong!
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
How do I know when it’s done?
Your meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your old fashioned meatloaf is super simple! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, perfect for those busy weeknights! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing; it makes reheating a breeze.
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick fix—just cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Imprimer
Old fashioned meatloaf: 5 secrets to heartwarming comfort
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Classic meatloaf recipe that brings comfort to your table.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers taste great in sandwiches.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 1g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: old fashioned meatloaf
