The aroma of Old-Fashioned Meatloaf wafts through the kitchen, warm and inviting, promising a comforting meal that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. With its perfectly browned exterior and juicy interior, every slice holds the essence of home-cooked goodness, ready to satisfy those hunger pangs and nostalgic cravings. grilled chicken complement comforting chicken and rice dish. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Picture this: a family gathered around the dinner table, laughter mingling with delicious scents. Memories flood back of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her meatloaf reigned supreme. meatball variations for dinner Whether it’s a chilly evening or a bustling weeknight, there’s something magical about this dish that brings everyone together for a hearty meal.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is straightforward to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The rich flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating an irresistible aroma. Its golden-brown crust and moist interior make it visually stunning on your dinner table. Perfect for leftovers, it’s versatile enough to serve in sandwiches or alongside fresh veggies. [/info_box]
I remember one family gathering when my cousin took one bite and exclaimed that it tasted like childhood on a plate!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture in your meatloaf. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef and potatoes casserole recipe.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the ingredients together; consider using seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to substitute with dried if needed.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness; sautéing it first enhances its flavor even more.
Eggs: These act as a binding agent; use large eggs for best results.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess; reserve some for topping before baking.
Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient deepens the flavor profile; don’t skip it!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. homemade sausage for breakfast.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a loaf pan or baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Sauté the Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly before adding to the meat mixture.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, parsley, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently without overworking the meat for tenderness.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf by pressing down firmly but not too tight—think of hugging your meatloaf instead of squeezing it!
Topping Time!: Spread an even layer of ketchup over the top of your meatloaf. This caramelizes beautifully as it bakes and gives that classic finish we all love.
Bake It Up!: Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through (160°F/70°C internal temperature). The aroma will drive you wild!
Let your Old-Fashioned Meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute so each slice stays juicy. Serve with mashed potatoes or fresh veggies for an unforgettable meal!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest, combining juicy meat with savory spices. Its aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. Moist and flavorful, this dish brings back fond memories of family dinners. It’s a true classic that’s easy to master. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients in a large bowl, forming the meatloaf shape on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, then let it rest before slicing to ensure juiciness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Old-Fashioned Meatloaf by adding grated cheese or chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, ensuring it remains moist.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect meatloaf, always use a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor. Make sure not to overmix to avoid a dense texture. Letting the meatloaf rest enhances its flavor and makes slicing easier. [/info_box]
Memories of my grandma’s kitchen come rushing back every time I make Old-Fashioned Meatloaf; her secret ingredient was always love, which made everything taste better!
FAQ
What can I serve with Old-Fashioned Meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes and green beans are classic sides that complement meatloaf perfectly.
Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
Yes, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
How can I make my meatloaf more flavorful?
Add Worcestershire sauce or fresh herbs like parsley for an extra flavor boost!
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
A timeless comfort food that combines juicy ground beef with savory spices, creating a warm aroma that fills your kitchen. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it the perfect centerpiece for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Enjoy leftovers in sandwiches or alongside your favorite veggies for an easy meal option.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in a tablespoon of oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, parsley, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Spread ketchup on top.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, mix in grated cheese or finely diced vegetables. Ensure not to overmix your meatloaf for a tender texture.
