Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Old Fashioned Meatloaf is a comforting classic that brings juicy, flavorful ground beef to the table with a sweet and tangy glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it delivers that nostalgic homemade taste everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 beef recommended)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated onion
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup ketchup (for sauce)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar for the sauce and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, crumble the ground beef and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated onion.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, beaten egg, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, ground sage, and black pepper.
5. Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the beef and mix everything together using your hands until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Ladle a few tablespoons of the sauce into the bottom of a bread pan, then press the meat mixture into the pan, shaping it evenly.
7. Step 7: Spread the remaining sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, checking after 45 minutes; the meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a splash of milk to the meat mixture along with the beef broth.
• Mix in chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a herby twist.
• Use ground pork or a combination of beef and pork for a softer texture.
• Try topping the meatloaf with sliced cooked bacon before adding the sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, shape and bake as directed.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice can be used as a binder in the meatloaf.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

This classic Old Fashioned Meatloaf recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, topped with a tangy ketchup-based sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 beef recommended)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated onion
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely and set the sauce aside for later use.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the correct temperature when the meatloaf is ready to bake.
3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, crumble the ground beef. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated onion over the meat. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, beaten egg, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, ground sage, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients until evenly mixed.
4. Assemble Meatloaf: Spoon a few tablespoons of the prepared sauce onto the bottom of a bread pan. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, pressing it down gently to shape it evenly within the pan’s dimensions.
5. Add Sauce Topping: Spread the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf to add flavor and moisture during baking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Begin checking for doneness after 45 minutes using a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute for a moist slice. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm.

Notes

• Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a juicy meatloaf with enough fat content for flavor.
• Resting the meatloaf before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.
• Using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the meatloaf is safely cooked through.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it tender.
• If you prefer a smaller or larger meatloaf, adjust cooking time accordingly, checking internal temperature for doneness.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Meatloaf, classic meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, comfort food dinner