classic meatloaf on a wooden cutting board

Others

classic meatloaf recipe: a timeless tradition

By:

WordofMany

Published:

20 Nov 2025

Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!

Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
There's something undeniably comforting about meatloaf. Maybe it's the savory aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes, or perhaps it's the memories of childhood dinners gathered around the table. Whatever it is, meatloaf holds a special place in many hearts, including mine. My grandma use’ta make it every Sunday and it was heaven, I swear! We used to pile mashed potato high on the plate with a pool of gravey - and this meatloaf. Absolute heaven! This recipe aims to capture that essence of home-cooked goodness, offering a reliable and delicious meatloaf that you can recreate time and time again.
a slice of meatloaf being served with mashed potatoes and gravy
What sets this meatloaf apart is its simplicity and the balance of flavors. We're not reinventing the wheel here; instead, we're focusing on nailing the fundamentals. A blend of ground beef and pork creates a rich base, while breadcrumbs and eggs ensure a tender texture. The real magic happens with the addition of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and a medley of aromatics, which infuse the meatloaf with depth and complexity. It’s really quite a straightforward affair, even if my spelling isn’t!
raw meatloaf ingredients being mixed in a bowl

Required Equipments

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Loaf Pan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Meat Thermometer

Classic Meatloaf Recipe: A Timeless Tradition: Frequently Asked Questions

Classic Meatloaf Recipe: A Timeless Tradition

Dive into the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf, a dish that brings back memories and warms the heart. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a moist, flavorful meatloaf that's perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 pound of ground pork. Using a mix of meats adds depth of flavor.
  3. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist.
  4. Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl. Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup of ketchup. Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and moisture.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. This will give the meatloaf a savory depth.
  7. Finely dice 1 small onion and add it to the mixture. Onions provide flavor and moisture.
  8. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Garlic enhances the overall taste.
  9. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. These herbs add aromatic notes.
  10. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust to taste.
  11. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
  12. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Using a standard loaf pan ensures uniform baking.
  13. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of mustard for the glaze. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish.
  14. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. The glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
  15. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked.
  16. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender meatloaf.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
  • If you don't have ground pork, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 25 g

Carbohydrates: 15 g

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Want delicious updates straight to your inbox?

FOLLOW US

© 2025 WordofMany. All Rights Reserved.