Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

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Old-fashioned meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings back warm memories. This easy recipe makes 10 slices of hearty meatloaf in just over an hour. You’ll love the mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory spices topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.

The key to great meatloaf is not overmixing the ingredients. Gently combine everything with your hands until just mixed. Shape the loaf on a baking sheet, spread on the ketchup glaze, and pop it in the oven. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious home-cooked meal the whole family will enjoy.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty old-fashioned meatloaf:

For the meatloaf:

• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15)

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The ground beef should be 85% lean for the best flavor and texture.

Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F before you begin mixing the ingredients. This recipe makes 10 slices, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Finely chop the onion. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mix, and chopped onion. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a rimmed baking sheet. Aim for about 4 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 2 inches tall.

For the glaze, mix ketchup, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread this evenly over your meatloaf.

Bake for 50-55 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Serve your meatloaf hot. It’s great with mashed potatoes and green beans. Enjoy your comforting, homemade meal!

Possible Substitutes List

Want to change up your meatloaf? Try these easy swaps:

Meat Options:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal
• Mix of beef and pork for extra flavor
• Veggie crumbles for a meatless version

Breadcrumb Alternatives:

• Crushed crackers
• Rolled oats
• Almond flour (for gluten-free)

Milk Substitutes:

• Beef broth
• Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat)

You can also swap the onion for shallots or leeks. For a kick, add some diced bell peppers or grated carrots.

Don’t have Worcestershire sauce? Use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar instead. You can even try barbecue sauce in place of ketchup for the glaze.

Feel free to play with the spices too. Add some smoked paprika or cumin for a new twist. Or toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Remember, these swaps may change the taste and texture a bit. But that’s part of the fun of cooking – making the recipe your own!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this meatloaf more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on fat. Replace regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat ones for more fiber.

Try these ingredient changes:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup skim milk

For the glaze, cut the sugar in half:

• 1/2 cup no-sugar-added ketchup
• 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar

You can also add extra veggies like grated carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition. This adds fiber and helps control blood sugar. Aim for about 1/2 cup of extra veggies.

When shaping the loaf, make it a bit flatter and wider. This allows it to cook faster. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until it reaches 165°F inside.

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To make the best meatloaf, don’t overmix the ingredients. This keeps the meat tender. Use your hands to gently combine everything until just mixed.

For extra flavor, try adding grated cheese or chopped bacon to the meat mixture. You can also swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed crackers.

Make a free-form loaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. This allows the edges to get crispy all around.

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it hold together better when you slice it.

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.

Try making mini meatloaves in a muffin tin for faster cooking and easy portion control. Reduce the bake time to about 25-30 minutes.