Old fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf

There’s nothing like a slice of old-fashioned meatloaf, perfectly seasoned, tender, and topped with a caramelized ketchup glaze. This timeless recipe combines simple ingredients with loads of flavor, delivering a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug from Momma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love It:

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This meatloaf uses affordable, everyday ingredients to deliver hearty flavors that satisfy. The Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and touch of hot sauce add depth and warmth to the ground beef, while the ketchup glaze gives a sweet and tangy finish.

2. Moist and Tender: With a blend of milk-soaked bread, egg, and seasonings, this meatloaf stays incredibly moist, holding together beautifully without being dry.

3. Quick and Easy to Prepare: Just mix, shape, and bake—this straightforward recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it a go-to for busy nights.

4. Perfect for Leftovers: Leftover meatloaf is even better the next day, making it a great choice for meal prep. Meatloaf sandwiches, anyone?

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: For the best texture and flavor, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80-85%. Leaner beef (90% or higher) can result in a drier loaf, while higher-fat beef (70%) may cause the loaf to become greasy. The right balance of fat will give you a tender and juicy meatloaf.

Milk: The milk helps to moisten the bread, which binds the meatloaf together and adds to its tender texture. You can use whole, 2%, or even non-dairy milk for this step.

Bread: The bread is a key ingredient for keeping the meatloaf moist and helping it hold together. Tear fresh or slightly stale bread into small pieces to blend more easily into the mixture. If you prefer, you can substitute breadcrumbs (about ½ cup), though fresh bread tends to make a softer, more cohesive meatloaf.

Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth and slight tanginess that enhances the beef flavor. It’s a classic ingredient in meatloaf and provides an umami richness. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, try substituting with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.

Onion and Garlic Powder: For a smoother texture, this recipe uses onion powder, but finely chopped fresh onion works just as well and adds a bit more flavor and texture. Garlic powder adds a subtle background note without overpowering the other flavors.

Ketchup: Ketchup is a must for a classic meatloaf! It caramelizes as it bakes, creating a slightly sweet and tangy glaze that balances the savory beef and seasonings. If you want to experiment, try adding a hint of brown sugar, barbecue sauce, or even a little Dijon mustard to the ketchup for added flavor.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Preparing the Meatloaf

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 cup torn bread pieces (or breadcrumbs)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder (or 1/4 cup finely chopped onion)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry ground mustard
1/4 tsp black pepper
A dash of hot sauce (optional, to taste)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will feel a bit wet, which is normal.

Shape the Meatloaf:
Option 1: Press the mixture into an ungreased loaf pan for a traditional meatloaf shape.
Option 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf form on a sheet pan. This method allows excess fat to drain off during baking.

Top with Ketchup:
Spread a thin, even layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will caramelize as it bakes, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Baking the Meatloaf

Bake:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Rest:
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions:

This Old-Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic sides for a comforting, home-cooked meal. Here are some ideas:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing and a perfect vehicle for any extra ketchup glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add color, flavor, and nutrition.
Buttered Corn or Peas: These veggies add a bit of sweetness and balance to the savory meatloaf.
Garden Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.

Serve slices with an extra drizzle of ketchup or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a bit of kick.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: Meatloaf freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices or a whole cooked loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead: To prepare ahead, assemble the meatloaf mixture and press it into the loaf pan, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, top with ketchup and bake as directed.

Variations:

Here are a few ways to personalize this classic meatloaf recipe:

Cheesy Meatloaf: Add ½ cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) to the meat mixture for a cheesy surprise.
Vegetable-Loaded Meatloaf: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, grated carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
BBQ Meatloaf: Swap the ketchup topping for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet glaze.
Herb and Spice Variations: Experiment with additional seasonings like Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion:

Old-Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Its classic flavors and moist, tender texture make it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. This easy recipe is packed with nostalgia and homestyle goodness, and the best part? It’s simple enough for even novice cooks to master. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, this meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional meal, or make a hearty meatloaf sandwich with leftovers. Either way, you’ll be savoring the warmth of a home-cooked classic. Enjoy!