Classic Old Fashioned Meatloaf

This classic old fashioned meatloaf is a must have in your collection of nostalgic recipes. It is quick, easy and super tasty!

I was never a fan of meatloaf until I learned how to cook a Cajun meatloaf in college and over the years I have become quite fond of meatloaf! Besides the Cajun recipe, sometimes I get the hankering for a Buffalo style meatloaf or just a classic old fashioned meatloaf.

History of Meatloaf

According to Bon Appetit the creation of meatloaf can be traced back to the middle ages. That is not to say it was the same as what we eat today. Meatloaf was created to use up scraps of vegetables to stretch meats. It made its way to America during colonial times via the Germans who used ground pork and cornmeal. Today meatloaf is an iconic staple.

The Method Of Classic Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Such a simple quick dish to make with not a lot of ingredients making it affordable as well.

Ingredients Needed:

• ground beef
• ground pork
• eggs
• breadcrumbs
• milk
• parmesan cheese
• olive oil
• onion
• kosher salt and pepper
• garlic
• tomato paste
• thyme leaves
• Worcestershire sauce
• ketchup

basic instructions:

Saute the onions in a skillet with oil until translucent then add the garlic and cook another minute. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste cooking a minute or two to get rid of the rawness. Add the thyme leaves and Worcestershire, combine and cool slightly.

Meanwhile place the meats in a large bowl. Add the eggs, breadcrumbs, milk and parmesan cheese.

After the vegetable mixture has cooled add it to the meat mix. Gently fluff with a fork to combine, then use your hands. Form a loaf on a sheet pan.

Cook meatloaf for 45 minutes. Add ketchup to the top of the meatloaf and cook an additional 15 minutes. Let your meatloaf sit for 10-15 minutes before cutting so it retains its shape. I like to serve my meatloaf with mashed potatoes and glazed cooked carrots.

Cook’s Notes:

tips for success:

Try using a classic meatloaf pan for a more rectangular shaped loaf.

You can totally make this ahead of time. Just wrap it up and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.

recipe variations:

Replace the milk with milk alternatives or stock.

Get creative and stuff your meatloaf with a melty cheese or wrap it in bacon!

Other glazes you can use are: barbeque sauce or a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar.

serving suggestions:

Potatoes go great with meatloaf. Try my Fingerling Potatoes, Salt & Vinegar Potatoes or my Irish Champ!

This is a great dish to freeze.

The Essentials:

If you make this Classic Old Fashioned Meatloaf and love it, I would love if you come back, give it 5 stars and leave a comment!