Grandma’s Timeless Meatloaf: A Recipe That Stands the Test of Time

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and nostalgia as Grandma’s meatloaf. Passed down through generations, this hearty, flavorful recipe has become a household favorite for many. The combination of tender ground meat, savory seasonings, and a perfectly baked crust creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal to enjoy throughout the week, Grandma’s meatloaf is a recipe that never goes out of style. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating this timeless meal.

Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 cup breadcrumbs (use regular or Italian-style)
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup (for the meatloaf mixture)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup (for the topping)
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a loaf pan.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork mixture), chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined.

Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, pressing it gently to form a loaf shape. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ¼ cup of ketchup. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest before serving: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips: Serve Grandma’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal. The savory flavors are a great match with any comfort food side.
Storage Tips: To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Variations: