Classic Meatloaf Recipe
This traditional meatloaf recipe is an American standard. The sweet sauce makes this dish and will have you making this recipe over and over again.
When was meatloaf invented?
Good question. There is mention of meat mixed with bread and wine going back as far as the Roman Empire. The modern American meatloaf is from the late 1870s. Meatloaf has always been a way to stretch what little meat was available at the time so it could feed as many people as possible. There are so many stories of meatloaf during the depression (when using sawdust as a filler was almost commonplace) and then again during the World Wars when meat rations were scarce.
Is meatloaf better the next day?
I certainly think it is! While I love meatloaf fresh out of the oven, piping hot and served with comfort food sides, grilled leftovers in a sandwich dripping with melted cheese is something to look forward to. I often double the recipe just so I know I’m going to have leftovers the next day.
What ever happened to Meatloaf?
As far as I know, he’s still singing his heart out. Maybe he needs to change up some of his lyrics to say “I would do anything for meatloaf…”.
Let’s make some meatloaf…
This recipe includes one of my favorite kitchen hacks. Place your meat, egg, and spices in a gallon size ziploc bag and seal it up.
Gently massage the meat mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed. There is no clean-up at all and you save your fingers from squishing around in the meat. Slide the meatloaf into your loaf pan and press as necessary to completely reach all the corners.
Mix the ketchup, mustard, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl until it’s well blended and then pour all over the top of the meatloaf. Put it in a 350 degree oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until an internal thermometer reaches 160 degrees.
Classic American Meatloaf
Ingredients
For Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbs dried minced onion
- 1 Tbs dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Sauce:
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup American yellow mustard
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbs soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Place all meatloaf ingredients in a gallon-size ziploc bag and seal
- Massage bag until all ingredients are evenly distributed
- Place meat mixture in a standard loaf pan
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix until combined and smooth
- Pour sauce over the meatloaf and spread to evenly distribute
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 160℉ internally
