Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Old-fashioned meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is both hearty and delicious. With its tender, flavorful meat filling and a tangy topping, it’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This recipe combines simple ingredients with tried-and-true techniques to create a meatloaf that is moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients for Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven or grill to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Soak the bread crumbs: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and milk. Stir to combine and let it soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Cook the onions and garlic: Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, soaked bread crumbs with milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and the cooked onions and garlic. Use your hands to mix everything together, but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. You can use your hands to form it or shape it with a loaf pan. Use a sharp knife to make a crisscross pattern on the top for decoration and to allow the sauce to penetrate.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
2. Prepare the topping: While the meatloaf is baking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard in a small bowl. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
3. Add the topping: After 40 minutes of baking, spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the topping has caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf:

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure the meatloaf stays tender.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Experiment with seasonings: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.
• Add vegetables: For a twist, you can mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned meatloaf is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its savory meat filling, aromatic onions and garlic, and the tangy topping of ketchup and brown sugar, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic meatloaf is always a crowd-pleaser.