Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Like Mom Made

 

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Like Mom Made: A Classic Comfort Food That Never Gets Old

There’s something undeniably comforting about an old-fashioned meatloaf. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate, a taste of home, and a memory served fresh from the oven. Whether it was a weeknight dinner staple or the centerpiece of a Sunday supper, Mom’s meatloaf always had that special something that made it unforgettable.

Let’s bring that classic recipe back into your kitchen—simple, hearty, and just like Mom used to make.

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🍽️ What Makes a Classic Meatloaf?

Old-fashioned meatloaf is all about balance: the right ratio of ground meat to breadcrumbs, just enough seasoning to make it flavorful, and of course, that sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top. It’s not fancy—but that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of meal that’s meant to feed a family, fill the house with mouthwatering aromas, and bring everyone to the table.

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🥩 Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Like Mom Made – Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best for moisture and flavor)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• ½ cup ketchup (for topping)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the meatloaf base.
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, milk, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—don’t overmix or it may become dense.

3. Shape and transfer.
   Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared pan or onto the baking sheet.

4. Make the glaze.
   In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake.
   Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve with love.
   Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or a simple garden salad.

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🧡 Why We Still Love It

Old-fashioned meatloaf stands the test of time for a reason. It’s:

• Budget-friendly

• Made with pantry staples

• Kid-approved

• Perfect for leftovers

Slice it up for sandwiches the next day, crumble it into spaghetti sauce, or serve it again with fresh sides—meatloaf never goes to waste.

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📝 Pro Tips

• For a juicier loaf, mix in ½ pound of ground pork or veal with the beef.

• Want a firmer loaf? Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to keep it from crumbling.

• Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

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Final Thoughts

When life gets busy and complicated, it’s recipes like this that bring us back to what matters—family, comfort, and good, honest food. Old-fashioned meatloaf like Mom made isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory we get to recreate every time we pull that familiar loaf from the oven.

So the next time you’re craving something simple, satisfying, and full of heart, make meatloaf the way Mom did—and don’t forget the ketchup glaze on top.