The History Behind This Recipe

Meatloaf became a beloved American supper during the Depression and the rationing years of WWII, when stretching a little meat with breadcrumbs and eggs fed a family generously. The version we know today — glazed with ketchup, studded with onion — is pure mid-century comfort: humble, dependable, and somehow better the next day in a sandwich.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 2 lb (900g) ground beef (or a beef-pork-veal mix)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Glaze: 1/3 cup ketchup + 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it.
3. Shape into a loaf about 9 x 5 inches on the prepared sheet.
4. Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake 55–65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through.
6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing; the loaf holds together better.

Tips & Variations

• Gently mixing = tender meatloaf. Overworking makes it dense and tough.
• Bake on a sheet, not a loaf pan, so the fat renders and the edges get caramelized.
• Leftovers make a legendary sandwich — cold or in a hot skillet.

Print Recipe

Family Favorite

Classic Homestyle Meatloaf

Author: Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: C Classic C Comfort Food

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 420

Best Season: All Year

Description

Ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and aromatics, baked into a comforting loaf and finished with a sweet-tangy ketchup topping.

Ingredients:

Servings

• 2 lb (900g) ground beef (or a beef-pork-veal mix)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried thyme
• Glaze: 1/3 cup ketchup + 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined — don't overwork it.
3. Shape into a loaf about 9 x 5 inches on the prepared sheet.
4. Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake 55–65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through.
6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing; the loaf holds together better.

Note

Mixing beef with ground pork adds extra moisture and flavor. Letting the loaf rest before slicing helps it hold together much better, and leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.

Keywords: Savory, Homestyle, Hearty