The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—this classic meatloaf recipe is perfect for any dinner table.
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about meatloaf. It’s one of those dishes that has stood the test of time, a comforting staple in many households. Whether it’s the blend of flavors, the heartiness, or the simple ingredients, meatloaf has a way of bringing people together for a satisfying meal. This Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe is no exception—it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and delivers that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy edges.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe so delicious is the combination of ingredients that make it juicy and flavorful. The ground beef provides the perfect base, while milk and bread crumbs (from torn-up slices of bread) give the meatloaf a soft, moist texture. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth, and the onion powder or finely chopped onion rounds out the flavors. It’s a simple recipe with just a few ingredients, but each one plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For this classic meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 pound ground beef – Choose a mix of lean and fatty beef for the perfect texture and flavor. Ground chuck (80/20) is often the best option for meatloaf.
¾ cup milk – Adds moisture to the meatloaf and ensures it doesn’t dry out as it cooks.
1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
3 slices bread torn up into small pieces – These create soft, airy crumbs that soak up the milk and keep the meatloaf moist.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatloaf that enhances its flavor.
½ tablespoon onion powder – For a hint of onion flavor, or you can use ½ cup finely chopped onion for more texture and a stronger flavor.
½ teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors in the meatloaf.
For the Glaze (Optional):
¼ cup ketchup – A traditional topping that adds a sweet and tangy finish to the meatloaf.
1 tablespoon brown sugar – To balance out the acidity of the ketchup and create a nice glaze.
1 tablespoon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy kick.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Making meatloaf is simple and doesn’t take much time at all. The ingredients are combined, shaped into a loaf, and baked in the oven, and that’s it! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot and ready to cook the meatloaf evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, egg, torn-up bread, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder (or chopped onion), and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can result in a tough meatloaf. You want to combine everything just enough to hold it together.
Step 3: Form the Meatloaf
Once everything is mixed, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. If you’re using a baking sheet, you can line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. You want to form the loaf into a uniform shape, about 2 inches high, to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
If you like your meatloaf with a glaze, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering it completely. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This will ensure that the meatloaf is cooked all the way through. If you’re using a glaze, it will caramelize beautifully on top, giving the meatloaf a delicious finish.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once the meatloaf is done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Don’t Overmix the Meat: One of the most important tips for making tender meatloaf is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to be dense and tough. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.
Choose the Right Ground Beef: While lean beef is great for many dishes, for meatloaf, you’ll want a bit of fat. A mix of 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) ground beef will provide the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner version, you can opt for 90/10 beef, but the texture may be slightly firmer.
Adding Vegetables: For added flavor and texture, you can mix in finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Sauté them beforehand to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness.
Make Ahead and Freeze: Meatloaf is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful slice.
Serving Suggestions
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Some of the best sides to serve with meatloaf include:
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect complement to the hearty meatloaf. Add a dollop of butter or a drizzle of gravy to elevate the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a flavorful, healthy side that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
Mac and Cheese: For an extra comforting meal, serve the meatloaf with a side of creamy mac and cheese.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is another classic side that pairs perfectly with meatloaf.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe is the definition of comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a perfect family meal. The combination of ground beef, bread, milk, and savory seasonings creates a meatloaf that’s juicy on the inside and has just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. Add in the optional glaze, and you’ve got a meal that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Meatloaf is a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking to bring back fond childhood memories or introduce this comforting dish to your family for the first time, this Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe is the way to go. It’s a simple, flavorful, and hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a classic meal that will always hit the spot!