Traditional Homestyle Meatloaf

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Traditional Homestyle Meatloaf is a comforting classic that brings back the taste of home. It's an easy-to-make dish with a rich, savory flavor that's perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Traditional Homestyle Meatloaf

Ground beef forms the base of our meatloaf, providing a hearty and rich flavor. For best results, choose a blend with a bit of fat to keep it moist.

Bread crumbs act as a binder that helps hold the meatloaf together and also soak up flavors. You can use regular or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Milk adds moisture to the mixture, preventing the meatloaf from drying out during cooking.

Eggs are another binder that helps maintain the shape and structure of the loaf.

Onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatloaf. Finely chopped, it blends seamlessly into the mix.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, ensuring the meatloaf is flavorful throughout.

Ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce creates a tangy glaze that caramelizes on top, adding a burst of flavor with each bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a clove of minced garlic to the mix.
  • Use a thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking.
  • If you don't have a loaf pan, shape the meatloaf by hand and bake it on a baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork, but keep in mind this might alter the cooking time.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave.

Traditional Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once your meatloaf is assembled.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Use a gentle hand to mix everything together until it's well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Grease a loaf pan lightly to prevent sticking, then transfer your meat mixture into it. Press down to shape it evenly, making sure there are no air pockets.

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. You'll know it's done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), so a meat thermometer is handy here.

Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly moist and flavorful with a simple ingredient list.
  • Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Kid-friendly and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
  • Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
4. Grease a loaf pan and transfer the meat mixture into it, pressing down to shape it evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, then spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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