Perfect Old Fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Old fashioned mommas meatloaf.

A timeless classic that whispers stories of family gatherings and wholesome meals.

Generations have treasured this comforting dish for its robust flavors and unpretentious charm.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Every slice represents more than food – it’s a connection to cherished memories and culinary heritage.

Rich, savory notes dance across your palate, evoking warmth and nostalgia with each tender bite.

Simple yet profoundly satisfying, this meatloaf transcends mere sustenance to become a culinary embrace.

Prepare to change an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

How to Bake a Loaf That’s Juicy and Flavor-Packed

Step 1: Preheat Oven to Perfection

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a mouthwatering meatloaf adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixing Magic

• Ground beef
• Milk
• Egg
• Torn bread pieces
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder or finely chopped onion
• Salt
• Dry mustard powder
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce
• Garlic powder

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Shape Your Culinary Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf shape. Place it in an ungreased loaf pan or on a sheet pan, allowing extra fat to escape during cooking.

Step 4: Add the Tangy Ketchup Blanket

Spread a thin, delicious layer of ketchup across the top of your meatloaf for an extra flavor explosion.

Step 5: Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe and scrumptious eating.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making each slice incredibly tender and flavorful. Slice and serve warm for a comfort food experience that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance!

Tips That Keep It Moist and Homey

• Choose Quality Meat: Select 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring a juicy meatloaf.
• Mix Gently: Combine ingredients with a light touch to prevent dense, tough texture and maintain a tender, soft consistency.
• Don't Overwork: Handle the meat mixture minimally when shaping to keep the meatloaf light and prevent compacting.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meatloaf.
• Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, helping juices redistribute and making slicing easier.

Store It Like a Pro, Reheat It Like It’s Fresh

• Refrigeration: Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Refrigerated meatloaf will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed. Keep the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain quality.
• Freezing: Slice the meatloaf before freezing for easier portioning. Place individual slices in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months when stored correctly.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

What to Pair with a Slice of Nostalgia

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Match the rich, savory meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the beef's deep flavors and cuts through its robust texture.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food combination by adding smooth, buttery mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, which absorbs the meaty juices perfectly.
• Add Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy meatloaf with a light, refreshing green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, bringing brightness and acidity to the plate.
• Pour Craft Beer Alongside: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or brown beer that echoes the meatloaf's warmth and enhances its homestyle, nostalgic flavor profile.

Variations That Still Taste Like Mom’s—With a Twist

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace Worcestershire sauce with chipotle peppers, add diced green chilies, cumin, and top with salsa instead of ketchup for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Swap ketchup glaze with tomato paste and sprinkle with pine nuts before serving.
• Lean Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Add grated zucchini to keep moisture and mix in fresh herbs like thyme and parsley to enhance flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion Meatloaf: Incorporate soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and green onions. Glaze with a combination of hoisin sauce and sriracha for a sweet and spicy finish.

Why Momma’s Meatloaf Still Reigns Supreme

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This classic meatloaf wraps you in nostalgia with its rich, homemade flavors that remind you of grandma's kitchen, delivering pure comfort in every tender slice.
• Master Quick Cooking: Effortlessly prepare this dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein and balanced macronutrients, this meatloaf offers a satisfying meal that provides substantial energy and supports muscle health with its impressive 20g protein content.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal tweaks like adding different herbs, using ground turkey instead of beef, or experimenting with alternative sauce toppings to match your taste preferences.

Everything That Makes This Meatloaf So Memorable

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty foundation of the meatloaf, preferably lean for better texture and less grease.
• Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender, adding softness to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to hold all ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive texture.

• Bread Pieces: Adds moisture and helps create a softer, more tender meatloaf texture, preferably day-old bread works best.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Onion Powder, Finely Chopped Onion: Adds aromatic depth and savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the meats natural flavor.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Contributes a subtle tangy kick to the meatloaf.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a hint of spiciness and complexity to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, aromatic essence to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze on top of the meatloaf, adding a beautiful color and extra flavor.

Old Fashioned Mommas Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Momma’s Meatloaf delivers classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings into a hearty main dish. Home cooks will savor this nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables across America.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Bread and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 slices bread (torn into small pieces)
• 180 milliliters (6 fluid ounces) milk
• 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Spices:

• 7.5 milliliters (½ tablespoon) onion powder
• 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) finely chopped onion (alternative to onion powder)
• 2.5 grams (1 pinch) salt
• 2.5 grams (1 pinch) dry ground mustard
• 1 gram (1 dash) black pepper
• 1 gram (1 dash) hot sauce (optional)
• 0.6 grams (1 sprinkle) garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Configure the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal heat distribution for a perfectly cooked meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, whole milk, large egg, crumbled white bread slices, Worcestershire sauce, finely diced yellow onion, kosher salt, ground dry mustard, freshly cracked black pepper, Louisiana-style hot sauce, and granulated garlic powder until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
3. Gently form the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf shape, positioning it centrally within an ungreased 9×5 inch loaf pan or on a rimmed baking sheet to facilitate fat drainage during cooking.
4. Carefully spread a thin, even layer of tangy ketchup across the meatloaf surface, creating a glossy and flavorful exterior glaze.
5. Transfer the prepared meatloaf to the preheated oven and roast for 60 to 75 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches precisely 160°F (70°C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent slices.
7. Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Letting the meatloaf rest allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice stays moist and tender.
• Checking the internal temperature prevents undercooking and guarantees safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Ketchup glaze adds a tangy sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a delicious exterior.
• Mixing ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution and a consistent texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Choosing lean ground beef helps control fat content while maintaining the classic comfort food experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg