Grandma’s Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Grandma’s classic meatloaf recipe is a family favorite. This homestyle meatloaf is perfectly seasoned and pairs well with all your favorite sides for a comforting dinner anytime.
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Growing up there was no cooking like my Grandma’s cooking.
To this day, anytime I make any of her recipes I am instantly comforted and extra cozy feeling.
And this classic meatloaf recipe is one of those that serves up delicious nostalgia.
It’s beefy, full of flavor, and pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
And the leftovers make for one heck of a good sandwich!
Ingredients
To make this you’ll need:
- Ground beef– Lean ground beef so the meatloaf isn’t too greasy
- Bread crumbs– Italian seasoned preferably. However if you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning added in.
- Eggs– To bind the loaf together
- Onion– Finely diced white onion
- Ketchup– Both for putting on top of the meatloaf and mixing into the loaf.
- Condiments and seasonings– Yellow mustard, Montreal steak seasoning, hot sauce, and salt and pepper
How to Make
This classic meatloaf recipe is so easy to make!
To do it, mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until they are evenly combined.
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and add it to a 9×5″ loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf at 350° for 45 minutes before turning up the oven to 400° and spreading a thick layer of ketchup over the top.
Keep baking the meatloaf for another 10-15 minutes until the ketchup is caramelized.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 full minutes, then slice and serve!
Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.
You can also pop the whole meatloaf onto an oven safe dish and heat it in a hot oven until warmed through.
What is the basic meatloaf formula?
A basic meatloaf recipe includes about 2 to 2.5 pounds of meat, breadcrumbs, and egg.
Other ingredients can be added for both moisture and flavor.
Why put ketchup on and in meatloaf?
The sweet but balanced tangy flavor of ketchup balances out the rich flavor of the beef.
Aside from adding flavor, the ketchup also helps keep the meatloaf moist.
How to Add Flavor to Meatloaf
This meatloaf recipe relies on diced onion, ketchup, yellow mustard, steak seasoning, hot sauce, and salt and pepper for flavor.
You can also add in other flavors you like such as:
- crushed or minced garlic
- parsley
- peppers
- Worcestershire sauce
Tips and Tricks
- This is my grandmother’s recipe that my family loves as is. But you can absolutely adapt it to your specific tastes so your family loves it just as much as we do!
- Don’t have a loaf pan? Shape the loaf and then bake it in the center or a foil lined baking sheet instead.
- While we prefer a ketchup topping, you can also use barbecue sauce or even a mixture of the two!
- If you want to add more veggies to this, you can add finely minced green bell peppers, carrots, or even celery.
Recipes to Serve with Classic Meatloaf
My family and I love this classic meatloaf recipe especially when we serve it with the best sides like:
- Southern Homestyle Mac & Cheese
- Grandma’s Canned Green Beans
- Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Potato Pull Apart Rolls
- Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Make it today and enjoy!
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Grandma's Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 heaping cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
- 1/2 cup ketchup plus more for topping
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp Montreal steak seasoning
- 3 dashes hot sauce
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Mix them together until evenly combined.2 1/2 lbs lean ground beef, 1 heaping cup Italian bread crumbs, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup finely diced white onion, 1/2 cup ketchup, 3 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 1/2 tsp Montreal steak seasoning, 3 dashes hot sauce, salt & pepper
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, then add it to a 9x5" loaf pan.
- Bake the meatloaf at 350° for 45 minutes,
- Increase the oven temperature to 400° and spread a thick layer or ketchup over the top, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 full minutes, then slice and serve!
Notes
- This is my grandmother's recipe that my family loves as is. But you can absolutely adapt it to your specific tastes so your family loves it just as much as we do!
- Don't have a loaf pan? Shape the loaf and then bake it in the center or a foil lined baking sheet instead.
- While we prefer a ketchup topping, you can also use barbecue sauce or even a mixture of the two!
- If you want to add more veggies to this, you can add finely minced green bell peppers, carrots, or even celery.
Nutrition
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