There’s something so heartwarming about making an old fashioned meatloaf. I remember watching my grandmother mix the ingredients in a big bowl, her hands working the meat just right, while the aroma of savory goodness filled the kitchen. It was comfort food at its finest! This old fashioned meatloaf recipe is a staple in my home, bringing back those cherished memories around the dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to whip up. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like slicing into that warm, tender meatloaf and serving it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s pure nostalgia on a plate, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try! Your family will love it just as much as mine does.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Meatloaf
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best old fashioned meatloaf. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: I always go for a good quality, lean ground beef for that perfect texture.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: This helps bind everything together and gives it that lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: A must-have for flavor and a delicious glaze on top!
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Fresh diced onion gives the meatloaf a tasty kick.
- 1 egg: This is your binder, helping everything stick together.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing all those flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount of spice!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready—trust me, it makes the mixing process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender. While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready—multitasking at its finest!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your ingredients. I like to start with the ground beef and then add the breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onion, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s important to mix everything thoroughly so that the flavors meld together beautifully. You can use your hands (my favorite method!) or a spoon, but just make sure not to overmix—too much handling can make it tough. You want that cozy, homey texture!
Shape and Bake
Once everything is well combined, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish. I like to form it into a nice, rounded shape to give it that classic look! For an extra burst of flavor, spread some additional ketchup on top—this gives it a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully while it bakes. Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Resting the Meatloaf
After baking, resist the urge to slice it right away! Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic, comforting dish that brings back warm memories.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Only one bowl needed for mixing—less cleanup is always a win!
- Hearty and filling, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest family members.
- Leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day—yum!
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
Tips for Success
To make your old fashioned meatloaf truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they’re essential for a moist and tender loaf. If you want to add a little twist, try using seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Also, keep an eye on your ground beef—opt for a lean mix, but a little fat is great for moisture. When mixing, remember to be gentle; you want all the ingredients combined without overworking the meat. And if you like a bit of extra flavor, finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or even shredded carrots can be delightful additions! Lastly, trust your thermometer—ensure it hits 160°F (70°C) for perfectly cooked meatloaf every time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional values for a serving of this hearty old fashioned meatloaf. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they’re a great guideline:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
This meatloaf is not only comforting but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week!
FAQ About Old Fashioned Meatloaf
Got questions about making the perfect old fashioned meatloaf? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
How long should I bake my meatloaf?
Generally, you’ll want to bake it for about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C) or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape it into a loaf and bake it when you’re ready for dinner.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for delicious sandwiches or quick meals!
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Yes! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I add veggies to my meatloaf?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini can be mixed in for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying that delicious old fashioned meatloaf again! Once it’s cooled, slice the meatloaf and place the pieces in an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your meatloaf again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices in a baking dish, covered with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick option; just be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out. Enjoy every comforting bite again!
Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Meatloaf
When it comes to serving my old fashioned meatloaf, I love to keep it classic and comforting. A generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes is a must—they soak up all those delicious meaty juices! For a pop of color and nutrition, I often pair it with steamed green beans or buttery corn on the cob. They not only add a lovely crunch but also balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
If I’m feeling a bit adventurous, I might whip up some roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. And let’s not forget a side of homemade gravy; it’s the perfect finishing touch that takes everything to the next level. Trust me, these sides make every bite of meatloaf even more delightful!
Old Fashioned Meatloaf: 2 Secrets for Pure Comfort
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A classic old fashioned meatloaf recipe that is hearty and delicious.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 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 additional ketchup on top if desired.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- 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: 250
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 25g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: old fashioned meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, classic meatloaf
