Classic Meatloaf Recipe

I always find joy in preparing my Classic Meatloaf Recipe. I mix ground beef with pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Finely chopped onions, garlic and a hint of ketchup lend an irresistible allure to this savory dish. Its rich, genuine flavor will pique your curiosity.

I’ve been experimenting with different recipes for a while now, and this Classic Meatloaf Recipe is hands-down one of my faves. It’s a neat mix of 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork for extra moisture (though you could leave out the pork if you prefer).

I add a cup of breadcrumbs soaked in 1/2 cup milk and 2 eggs to bring everything together, along with a finely chopped small onion and 2 cloves garlic for a bit of kick. Add in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and half a cup of ketchup to keep the mix tender and full of flavor.

I also love finishing it off with a glaze made of 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard. This is not just any meatloaf; it’s got that All Recipes Meatloaf quality and A-1 Meatloaf vibe that makes it a Good Meatloaf Recipe worth trying.

Why I Like this Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is super comforting and easy to make. I mix together ground beef and pork with eggs, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic and a bunch of other tasty stuff like Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. After I press the mixture into a loaf pan, I top it off with a glaze of extra ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. I then bake it until its cooked through and let it rest for a bit before slicing. It’s one of those meals that feels both homemade and hearty, and even though it might not look perfect, it always tastes great.

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how juicy and flavorful it comes out every time – the combination of beef and pork makes it super moist.
2. It’s really simple to throw together, even on busy nights, and i don’t have to stress about fancy techniques.
3. It always brings back memories of family dinners and cozy weekends, making it feel like a little piece of home.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides high protein and rich flavour for a meaty base.
• Ground pork adds moisture and tasty richness making meatloaf juicier.
• Breadcrumbs helps bind ingredients while adding a light carb crunch.
• Onions delivers fiber and a slight sweetness to enhance flavor.
• Garlic offers a punch of bold, aromatic flavor thats super appetizing.
• Ketchup gives tangy sweetness and moisture with a bit of sour zest.
• Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add protein and moisture.
• Worcestershire sauce adds savory umami notes with a hint of tang and spice.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (adds moisture, can be ommitted if you prefer)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup (use some in the mix and some for topping)
• Optional: for a tasty glaze, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan so the meatloaf doesn’t stick.

2. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let it soak for about 5 minutes.

3. In a big bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork, then add the eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything just until combined.

4. Pour the soaked breadcrumbs into the meat mixture along with 1/2 cup of ketchup and stir well.

5. Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf pan and press it down evenly.

6. In another small bowl, mix together the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make your glaze. Spread this mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.

8. Once done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

9. Slice it up and serve while warm — it’s the classic meatloaf you crave. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set at 350°F)
2. Loaf pan (lightly greased)
3. Small bowl for mixing breadcrumbs and milk
4. Large bowl for combining ground meats and other ingredients
5. Another small bowl for mixing the glaze
6. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
7. Knife and cutting board for chopping the onion and mincing garlic
8. Mixing utensil (or just your hands) for combining the meat mixture

FAQ

Classic Meatloaf Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground pork: Instead of pork you can use ground turkey for a leaner version, though it might need a bit more fat added in.
• Breadcrumbs: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even rolled oats can work ok as a substitute.
• Milk: You can swap out regular milk with almond milk or soy milk if you need a dairy free option.
• Ketchup: Mix tomato sauce with a little sugar and vinegar if you don’t have ketchup around.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t overmix the meat once you add all your ingredients cause it can make your meatloaf really dense and dry. Just mix it gently till everything is kinda combined.

2. When you soak your breadcrumbs in milk, let them sit a little longer if you can—this helps keep the meatloaf moist inside after baking.

3. Try brushing the glaze on about 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done baking so it doesn’t burn and adds a nice shiny, tasty crust.

4. After baking, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing cause cutting it too soon makes it lose a lot of the juices.