If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that the whole family will love, this Old Fashioned Classic Meatloaf recipe is perfect. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a juicy and flavorful meatloaf that’s a true family favorite.

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Ingredients Breakdown for Old Fashioned Classic Meatloaf

Butter (1 stick)

Adds richness and flavor to the meatloaf. Melting the butter to cook the onions enhances their sweetness and softens them, making them blend seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture.

Onion (1 medium, diced)

Adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle depth of flavor. Cooking the onion until it’s soft and translucent brings out its natural sugars, which enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

Ground Hamburger Meat (1.5 lbs)

The main protein component of the meatloaf, providing the bulk and primary texture. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier version, or ground chuck for a juicier meatloaf. You also have the option of using ground turkey for a turkey meatloaf.

Egg (1 large)

Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatloaf together and giving it structure. It also adds richness and moisture to the meat mixture.

Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp)

Adds a deep, savory flavor with a hint of tanginess. This classic ingredient in meatloaf recipes enhances the taste, making the meatloaf more flavorful and complex.

Milk (1/2 cup)

Adds moisture and helps to soften the oats, ensuring the meatloaf stays tender and juicy. It also contributes to the overall texture of the meat mixture.

Ketchup (1/3 cup for the meat mixture + extra for topping)

Adds sweetness and tang, balancing the savory flavors of the meat and seasonings. The ketchup used for the topping creates a delicious, caramelized glaze as it bakes.

Old Fashioned Oats (2/3 cup)

Acts as a binder, absorbing moisture and helping to hold the meatloaf together. Oats are a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs, adding fiber and a subtle texture. But I have also used our DIY dry bread crumbs and they are just as flavorful.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Enhances all the other flavors in the meatloaf. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the best in each ingredient.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Brown Sugar: For those who like a touch of sweetness, adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the meat mixture or the ketchup topping can create a caramelized glaze.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds a deeper, more robust flavor to the meat mixture.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Adds a mix of herbs that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.
Green Pepper or bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a slight crunch and additional flavor to the meatloaf.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a meatloaf that is moist, flavorful, and satisfying. By understanding the purpose of each component, you can make adjustments to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. This classic combination of ingredients ensures a meatloaf that is both traditional and delicious, making it a perfect addition to your family’s dinner table.

Supplies Needed for Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Medium skillet
Large mixing bowl
Loaf pan or casserole dish
Instant-read thermometer or digital thermometer
Plastic wrap

Instructions for Old Fashioned Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Prepare the Onion Mixture

Melt Butter

In a medium skillet, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Butter adds richness and flavor, which enhances the sweetness of the onions giving them a wonderful flavor.

Cook Onion

Dice a medium onion finely. Add the diced onion to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process releases the onion’s natural sugars, adding depth to the meatloaf. Once the onions are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow the onions to cool slightly.

Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, place 1.5 lbs of ground hamburger meat. Crack 1 egg into the bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of ketchup, and 2/3 cup of old fashioned oats. These ingredients not only bind the meat together but also add moisture and flavor.

Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the meatloaf. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon until everything is well combined.

Add the Cooked Onions

Once the cooked onions have cooled slightly, add them with the melted butter to the meat mixture in the large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the onions are evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf mixture. This step ensures that every bite has a bit of that sweet, savory onion flavor.

Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Prepare the Pan

Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or a casserole dish. If using a casserole dish, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape using your hands. This helps the meatloaf cook evenly.

Top with Ketchup

Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the surface area of the meatloaf. This creates a tangy, caramelized glaze as it bakes, adding extra flavor and moisture to the top of the meatloaf.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the loaf pan or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Cooking time may vary depending on the oven. To ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked, insert an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer into the center of the loaf; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check to see that the meatloaf is firm to the touch and the juices run clear.

Rest and Serve

Cool Slightly

Once the meatloaf has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.

Slice and Serve

Slice the meatloaf into even portions. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freeze for Later

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. This makes for easy reheating and serving later.

Conclusion

This delicious meatloaf recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal. The combination of juicy meat, savory seasonings, and a tangy ketchup glaze creates a flavor that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Old Fashioned Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Equipment

1 medium skillet
1 large mixing bowl
1 Loaf pan or casserole dish
1 Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground hamburger meat
1 medium onion
1 stick butter
1 egg
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup ketchup + extra for the topping
2/3 cup old fashioned oats
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Melt 1 stick of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Dice 1 medium onion and add it to the skillet.
Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground hamburger meat, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, and 2/3 cup old fashioned oats.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon.
Add the cooled, cooked onions to the meat mixture.
Mix well to ensure the onions are evenly distributed.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf in a casserole dish.
Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.