Grandma’s Nostalgic Meatloaf Recipe: Timeless Family Comfort

Comfort food speaks volumes about love and tradition, and this old fashioned mommas meatloaf recipe carries generations of warmth in every savory bite.

Hearty and rich with deep flavors, this classic dish brings memories flooding back to kitchens across America.

Tender ground beef mingles with simple seasonings that create a nostalgic culinary experience.

Generations have treasured this straightforward recipe passed down through loving hands.

The aroma alone promises a satisfying meal that connects you to childhood dinners and family gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite relative.

Let’s find out this timeless recipe and let the delicious memories begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Old Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a lighter texture and less grease, ensuring rich flavor and tender meatloaf.

• Milk, Egg, Bread: Creates a soft, moist interior that holds the meatloaf together, preventing a dry and crumbly texture.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Dry Ground Mustard, Hot Sauce: Provides depth of flavor, enhancing the savory profile with a perfect balance of spiciness and aromatic warmth. Select fresh, high-quality spices for maximum taste impact. Hot sauce adds optional kick for those who enjoy extra zest.

Tools for Cooking Momma’s Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring small amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Loaf pan or sheet pan: Baking vessel to shape and cook the meatloaf.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Knife: For slicing and serving the meatloaf after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients evenly and smoothly.

How to Prepare Old Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf

• Oven Preparation Warming up the kitchen for a hearty meal.

Crank the oven dial to 350°F and let it start heating while you prepare the delicious mixture.

• Mixing Magic Bringing ingredients together with love

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine ground beef with soft bread pieces, milk, beaten egg, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavor explosion.

• Loaf Shaping Transforming the mixture into a delectable centerpiece

Gently form the meat mixture into a rustic loaf shape, placing it carefully in a baking pan. Spread a thin, bright layer of ketchup across the top for a tangy glaze that will make mouths water.

• Baking Perfection Transforming raw ingredients into a mouthwatering meal

Slide the pan into the hot oven and let it bake for about an hour. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through.

• Resting and Serving Allowing flavors to settle and delight

Pull the golden-brown meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This short wait allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice is succulent and full of flavor.

Flavor Ideas for Momma’s Classic Meatloaf

• Swap ground beef with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal for a richer, more complex taste profile that melts in your mouth.
• Replace bread pieces with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this classic recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of smoked paprika to give the meatloaf a warm, exciting kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and a spread of tangy mustard or creamy mayo for a next-day lunch treat.
• Mix in finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and add extra moisture to your meatloaf, making it even more delectable for picky eaters.

Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this classic meatloaf alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, balanced meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Hearty Comfort Plate: Pair the meatloaf with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato wedges to add extra nutrition and vibrant colors to your dinner spread.
• Leftover Magic: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches the next day by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mayo between soft bread for a quick and satisfying lunch option.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Dice leftover meatloaf and mix into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast skillet that repurposes your dinner into a tasty morning meal with minimal effort.

Storage Guide for Momma’s Meatloaf

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cut leftover meatloaf into individual portions before refrigerating, making reheating and quick weekday lunches super easy.
• Cooling and Storing Technique: Allow meatloaf to completely cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before transferring to an airtight container, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining texture.
• Refrigeration Lifespan: Keeps fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when stored properly in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, creating a convenient future meal that reheats perfectly with minimal effort.

Hearty Mommas Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Momma’s classic meatloaf brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens, blending ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings. Hearty flavors meld together, making it perfect for family dinners where memories warm the heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large egg
• 16 oz (454 g) ground beef
• 3 slices bread (torn into small pieces)
• 6 fl oz (180 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 4 fl oz (120 ml) finely chopped onion
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) onion powder
• 1 pinch (2.5 g) salt
• 1 pinch (2.5 g) dry ground mustard
• 1 dash (1 g) black pepper
• 1 sprinkle (0.6 g) garlic powder
• 1 dash (1 g) hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and optimal heat circulation.
2. Mixing Mastery: In a large bowl, blend ground beef, milk, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, hot sauce, and garlic powder until the mixture forms a cohesive, well-integrated texture.
3. Shaping and Glazing: Mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact loaf, positioning it centrally in a 9×5 inch loaf pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Generously spread ketchup across the surface to create a tangy, caramelized exterior.
4. Roasting Process: Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and roast for 60-75 minutes, using a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe and thorough cooking.
5. Resting and Serving: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice into generous portions and serve immediately while maintaining peak warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can create tough, dense texture.
• Bread Crumb Secret: Soak bread in milk before mixing to add moisture and create a more tender, soft meatloaf.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Resting Technique: Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains juicy and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg