Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper; 2 eggs; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making this Old Fashioned Meatloaf during cozy family dinners. The blend of savory ground beef, onions, and spices takes me back to my childhood. I appreciate that this recipe is easy to prepare and yields a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. The secret is in the balance of ingredients and the careful mixing, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Plus, I always add a tangy glaze on top for that delicious finishing touch. It's perfect served with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:58:10.799Z

When I first tried my grandmother's meatloaf recipe, I was immediately taken by the comforting aroma that filled her kitchen. Over the years, I’ve adapted it, adding my personal touch of spices and a sweet glaze. The key is not to overmix the meat; this keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy. I also love letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing to hold its shape and prevent it from crumbling.

For added flavor, I sometimes incorporate chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots right into the mix. It not only enhances the taste but also increases the nutritional value, making this dish a wholesome family meal. Every time I make this meatloaf, it feels like a warm embrace from home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Classic flavors that remind you of home cooking
Moist and tender texture, perfect for comfort food
Easy to customize with your favorite spices and toppings

      

The Importance of Proper Mixing

When preparing your meatloaf, the way you mix the ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, while under-mixing can result in uneven distribution of flavors. Aim to combine the ingredients gently until just incorporated. This will ensure the meatloaf remains moist and holds together well during slicing. A fork or your hands can be the perfect tools for this job, but avoid using a food processor, which can overwork the meat.

Another great tip is to allow your mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the loaf pan. This gives the breadcrumbs time to absorb moisture from the milk and other ingredients, resulting in a better texture. Additionally, consider letting the mixture rest in the refrigerator; this can enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together.

Understanding the Glaze

The glaze is what elevates this meatloaf from good to truly memorable. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard not only adds a layer of sweetness but also helps form a caramelized crust as it bakes. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before it goes into the oven, but reserve the other half for the end. For an extra touch, broil the meatloaf for a minute or two after baking to achieve an even more deliciously glossy finish.

If you want to experiment with flavors, feel free to adjust the glaze. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can introduce a tangy balance, while a bit of smoked paprika can bring a subtle warmth. This flexibility allows you to tailor the glaze to your taste preferences or dietary considerations.

Proper Serving and Storage Techniques

Once out of the oven, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This process helps ensure each slice stays moist and doesn’t crumble apart. When slicing, use a serrated knife for cleaner edges, as this helps maintain the loaf’s structure. Pair your meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a cozy family meal that feels homey and satisfying.

If you have leftovers, storing them correctly is essential. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the meatloaf. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your meatloaf:

Meatloaf Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 eggs
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Glaze Ingredients

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Make sure to follow the steps carefully to achieve a great texture and flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your meatloaf:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly from the start.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, ketchup, chopped green bell pepper, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it to form a loaf. Make sure to pack it lightly to maintain its moisture.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, blend together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your preferred sides.

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatloaf!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating your favorite herbs or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten this recipe or cater to dietary preferences, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These alternatives can result in a slightly different flavor, but with the right balance of seasonings, they will still be delicious. To keep turkey or chicken moist, adding a bit of extra fat, like olive oil or sautéed mushrooms, can help.

For those needing to avoid gluten, you can replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely crushed oats. Oats will also add a nice texture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can be a fantastic substitute.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Old Fashioned Meatloaf is a fantastic recipe to prepare ahead of time. You can mix the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and simply transfer them to the oven when you’re ready for dinner. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen overnight, enhancing the overall taste.

You can also prepare the entire meatloaf and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove it from the freezer and bake it straight from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This method makes it a wonderful option for busy weeknights or when hosting family gatherings.

Creative Variations

While the classic flavor is hard to beat, feel free to get creative with your meatloaf. Adding different vegetables such as grated carrots or zucchini can bring more moisture and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients to accommodate additional moisture from these veggies.

You can also experiment with your seasoning. For example, adding Italian herbs, like basil or oregano, can provide an entirely different flavor profile. Alternatively, a sprinkle of chili powder or some chopped jalapeños can make for a spicy version that adds a kick to your traditional meatloaf.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute, but it may require additional seasoning to enhance the flavor.

→ How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix the meat, as this can cause it to become crumbly. Also, allowing it to rest before slicing helps it hold together.

→ Can I freeze meatloaf?

Absolutely! You can freeze it either before or after cooking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container.

→ What sides pair well with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a simple salad are classic sides that complement meatloaf very well.