Grandma’s Meatloaf

5 from 1 vote

With its perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices, Grandma's Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest.

Course Main Course

Cuisine German-Americans

Keyword Classic Meatloaf, Grandma's Best Meatloaf Recipe, Grandma's Meatloaf

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings People

Calories 410kcal

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly and to perfection.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors start to meld together.
Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to a greased loaf pan. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, making sure it is evenly packed.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.
While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare a glaze to add an extra layer of flavor. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender meatloaf.
Serve the meatloaf slices with your favorite sides and enjoy the comforting flavors of Grandma's Meatloaf.

Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor

To ensure your Grandma's Meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Choose the right ground beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, to ensure a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Don't overmix the ingredients: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough meatloaf.
Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs will help bind the meatloaf together and add a light texture.
Let the meatloaf rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures that it retains its juices and stays tender.
Experiment with seasonings: Don't be afraid to add your own twist to Grandma's Meatloaf by incorporating different herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of dried thyme or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra burst of flavor.

By following these tips, you'll be able to recreate the perfect texture and flavor of Grandma's Meatloaf time and time again.