Ahhh, old-fashioned meatloaf 🍽️ — the kind that smells like Sunday dinner and makes great leftovers. This is the classic, no-frills version: tender, juicy, and topped with that sweet-tangy glaze everyone loves.
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
Meatloaf
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 is best)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven
Set oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment. - Make the panade
In a large bowl, mix milk and breadcrumbs. Let soak 1–2 minutes until spongy. - Mix meatloaf
Add ground beef, onion, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix gently — don’t overwork. - Shape & glaze
Press mixture into pan (or free-form on a baking sheet).
Mix glaze ingredients and spread half on top. - Bake
Bake 45 minutes. - Final glaze
Remove, spread remaining glaze, return to oven.
Bake another 15 minutes until internal temp hits 160°F / 71°C. - Rest
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Old-school tips
- Breadcrumb + milk = tender loaf
- 80/20 beef keeps it juicy
- Resting prevents crumbling
Classic sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans or peas
- Mac and cheese
- Buttered corn
If you want, I can give you:
- Grandma’s meatloaf with saltines
- No-ketchup glaze version
- Meatloaf like diners make
- Leftover meatloaf sandwich upgrade
Just tell me 😄
