Traditional Hearty Meatloaf

Name: Traditional Hearty Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're craving a comforting, home-cooked meal, this Traditional Hearty Meatloaf is just the ticket. With a perfect blend of flavors and a tender texture, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients for Traditional Hearty Meatloaf

Ground beef and ground pork create a flavorful duo, bringing richness and tenderness to the loaf. Breadcrumbs soak up the juices, ensuring a moist meatloaf that holds together well. Milk adds moisture, making every bite tender and delicious. Eggs act as a binder, keeping everything together. The onion and garlic provide a savory depth that complements the meats. A touch of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy sweetness and umami richness. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary for a savory, aromatic finish. Finally, more ketchup for topping gives a sweet, caramelized glaze.

Tips & Tricks

Grate the onion instead of chopping for an even distribution and extra moisture.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the mix.
For a sweeter glaze, mix a bit of brown sugar into the ketchup before spreading it on top.
Use a baking rack if you want excess fat to drain away while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty meatloaf pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any delicious juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it in the fridge and bake when ready.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?: Absolutely! Once cooked, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. It reheats well in the oven.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?: You can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.

Traditional Hearty Meatloaf Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Use your hands to mix until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix, or the meatloaf can turn out tough.

Next, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. A loaf pan works great if you have one, but free-forming it on a baking sheet is also fine. Spread 1/2 cup ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. This will create that classic, glossy top that everyone loves.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about an hour. You’re looking for the internal temperature to hit 160°F (70°C) – a meat thermometer is your best friend here. Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly balanced flavors from beef and pork.
A moist, tender texture that's never dry.
Quick to prep with simple, everyday ingredients.
Minimal cleanup with a one-dish wonder.
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup milk

2 large eggs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

3. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined.

4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.

5. Spread 1/2 cup ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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