Best 8 Classic Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipes

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**Classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf: A Comforting Journey Through Time**

In the realm of classic comfort foods, few dishes evoke as much nostalgia and warmth as the iconic meatloaf. This humble dish, a staple in American kitchens for generations, holds a special place in our culinary heritage. With its savory blend of ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and a tangy glaze, meatloaf is a testament to the power of simple, yet satisfying cooking. This article presents a collection of classic and innovative meatloaf recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish. From the traditional version, brimming with the essence of comfort, to adventurous variations that incorporate unexpected ingredients and flavors, these recipes will transport you on a culinary journey through time. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your kitchen adventures, this guide will equip you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create a meatloaf that will become a family favorite.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Meatloaf:** A timeless recipe that embodies the true spirit of meatloaf. This version features a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, seasoned with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, and topped with a rich tomato glaze.

2. **Turkey Meatloaf:** A healthier take on the classic, this recipe swaps ground beef for ground turkey, resulting in a leaner and equally flavorful meatloaf. Topped with a zesty lemon-herb glaze, this dish is perfect for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal.

3. **BBQ Meatloaf:** For those who love a smoky, tangy kick, this recipe infuses the meatloaf with a bold BBQ rub and a homemade BBQ sauce. The result is a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that's perfect for backyard barbecues or casual gatherings.

4. **Cheesy Meatloaf:** Indulge in a cheesy delight with this recipe that incorporates a generous amount of mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the meatloaf mixture. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this meatloaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

5. **Stuffed Meatloaf:** Take your meatloaf game to the next level with this stuffed version. A savory filling of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and spinach is nestled within the meatloaf, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

6. **Mini Meatloaves:** These bite-sized versions of the classic meatloaf are perfect for parties or as an appetizer. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these mini meatloaves are topped with a tangy tomato glaze and can be easily customized with different herbs and spices.

7. **Meatloaf Muffins:** These individual meatloaf muffins are a fun and creative way to enjoy this classic dish. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of seasonings, these muffins are topped with a sweet and tangy glaze and can be easily packed for lunch or snacks.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF RECIPE



Old-fashioned Meatloaf Recipe image

This classic comfort food recipe is one you'll want to add to your recipe box. Creole and Greek seasonings pack the meatloaf with flavor that the whole family will enjoy. Worcestershire sauce mixed into ketchup creates a tasty topping that will help the meatloaf stay moist and tender.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Time 1h37m

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon butter
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1/3 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon ketchup
Garnish: chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat; add celery and onion, and sauté 7 minutes or just until tender.
  • Stir together celery mixture, ground beef, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Shape into a 10- x 5-inch loaf; place on a lightly greased broiler rack. Place rack in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Stir together remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon ketchup until blended; pour evenly over meatloaf, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until no longer pink in center. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
  • Note: For testing purposes only, we used Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning and Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning.

CLASSIC AMERICAN MEATLOAF



Classic American Meatloaf image

Provided by Amy Stevenson

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for baking dish
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (white and green parts)
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons gelatin
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Steps:

  • To make the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the scallions, carrot and onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme, cumin, paprika, and garlic and onion powders. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Scrape into a large bowl and let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, heat the ketchup in the microwave until just warm to the touch. Sprinkle the gelatin over the ketchup and whisk to remove clumps. Add to the cooled vegetable mixture, then add the beef, pork, eggs, and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper and mix just to combine. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil and form the meat mixture into a loaf.
  • To make the glaze: In a measuring cup, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire, and mustard. Brush a little glaze on the meatloaf and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 1 hour 15 minutes, brushing three or four times with the glaze until you've used it all. Let meatloaf rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

50'S CLASSIC MEATLOAF



50's Classic Meatloaf image

Back in the 50's and 60's this was a weekly staple for family. If you want to fancy it up, substitute green peppers with 1/4 cup red peppers and 1/4 cup green peppers.

Provided by Douglas Poe

Categories     Meatloaf

Time 1h26m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lbs ground beef
1 lb ground pork
4 eggs
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Meatloaf:.
  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper.
  • Add eggs, onions and peppers and combine.
  • Place meat mixture in loaf pan.
  • Bake at for 60 minutes.
  • Glaze:.
  • Mix until smooth.
  • After meatloaf is done cooking brush with meatloaf glaze and bake another 10 minutes.
  • Let meatloaf set 10 minutes before serving.

CLASSIC MEAT LOAF



Classic Meat Loaf image

It's not fancy, and it doesn't use exotic ingredients...but this is quite simply the best old-fashioned meat loaf I've ever made.-Mary Rea, Orangeville, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup whole milk
3 slices whole wheat or white bread, cubed
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce
2 pounds lean ground beef

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, pour milk over bread. Add egg, onion, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; mix thoroughly. Add ground beef; mix well. Shape meat mixture into an 8x4-in. oval. , Bake in a shallow pan at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until no pink remains. Drain.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 390mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF - A.K.A BASIC MEATLOAF



Old-fashioned Meatloaf - A.K.A Basic Meatloaf image

This classic meatloaf recipe will be a family favorite for years to come. Mix ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and a few more ingredients to create a tasty blend for your meatloaf. Serve with your favorite sides.

Provided by Paula Deen

Time 5m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ground beef
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1 lightly beaten egg
8 oz canned without juice diced tomatoes
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 °F.
  • Mix ground beef, salt, pepper, onion, bell pepper, egg, tomatoes and oats together well and place in a baking dish. Shape into a loaf.
  • Topping:
  • Mix ketchup, brown sugar and mustard and spread on loaf. Bake for 1 hour.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
½ onion, coarsely chopped
½ red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 ½ pounds ground chuck
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
hot pepper sauce to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
  • Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
  • Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

EASY OLD FASHIONED MEATLOAF



Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf image

No fancy ingredients here... Not like we need another meatloaf recipe, but I figured I'd should post my Grandma's for people like me who like a quick easy meatloaf without a lot of fuss. Most of the meatloaves I saw here had things I'd never even consider putting in a meatloaf! :) At times I will substitute the onion with approx. 1/4 cup dried onion flakes. I also have substituted the garlic with garlic powder. I've never tried making it with horseradish. (I was a notoriously picky eater as a kid so I don't think Grandma put it in when I came to visit either.) I usually don't bother beating the egg... (Boy do I sound lazy! Don't tell Mom! LOL!) I've only recently started putting ketchup on the top before baking, so I don't think it's necessary to keep the meatloaf moist. Mom used to use her own dried bread crumbs, but I use the plain storebought kind. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any flavored bread crumbs... Make sure lean ground beef is used otherwise the meatloaf can get too greasy and/or bubble over the pan while baking. I also recommend checking the center to make sure it's done. On occasion it has taken over an hour to bake.

Provided by nranger7

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper
1 medium finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
  • Shape in loaf pan.
  • Cover with more ketchup if desired.
  • Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 97, Sodium 861.5, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 24.3

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ground beef: Choose a blend of ground chuck and ground sirloin for a flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can result in a tough and dry meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Add moisture to the meatloaf mixture: Breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk help to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. You can also add grated vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Season the meatloaf mixture well: Use a combination of herbs, spices, and seasonings to flavor the meatloaf. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape: Use your hands to shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape. Place the meatloaf in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatloaf at a high temperature initially: This will help to sear the outside of the meatloaf and lock in the juices. Then, reduce the temperature to finish cooking the meatloaf through.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.

Conclusion:

Classic old-fashioned meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.

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