One of my all-time favorite comfort foods is meatloaf. Specifically, mom’s meatloaf. It’s nothing fancy, no glaze on top or secret ingredients, but it hits the spot every time. With a side of mashed potatoes, well that’s just cozy perfection.

I’ve tried many times to recreate mom’s meatloaf recipe, though it’s never quite the same as the original. I realized that the true magic had more to do with the love that mom put into it than the ingredients. She measures with the heart. So I stood by and had make the recipe. I took notes and gave it another go. My recipe is pretty damn close and my little family loves it so I’m happy with the results.

Jump to Recipe

A meatloaf laid out on a marble cutting board over parchment paper. There is also a bowl of peas to one side and a bowl of ketchup.

The way my mom makes her meatloaf is pretty classic. The ingredients are simple – ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce (not sure how original that one is), and spices – the flavor is beyond compare. Served with a side of buttery, cheesy, mashed potatoes is a must. I also love to add some green beans, or any green veggie, just like mom. This comfort food is a favorite around the dinner table. It’s a classic that never fails to hit the spot.

A meatloaf laid out on a marble cutting board over parchment paper. There is also a bowl of ketchup to one side.

Let’s chat about this meatloaf. The tang of the mustard, the umami of Worcestershire, and the warmth of the spices all come together for a comforting, savory experience. As for the sides, mashed potatoes and green beans are a match made in heaven – buttery potatoes with a hint of garlic set off by the crunch of the green beans. The perfect accompaniment on a cold night. There’s something about the classic combination of flavors that always feels homey and comforting. The whole family loves it and it’s a warm reminder of those homemade meals we all know and love.

A close up of a meatloaf loaf. It's set on parchment paper on a cutting board. there is a small piece of parsley on top.

INGREDIENTS

Ground beef – I like to go for a nice grass-fed good quality beef since this is the main ingredient
Ketchup – My favorite is from Primal Kitchen because there’s no added sugar. Great flavor.
Mustard – Just plain, yellow mustard
Worchestchire sauce – This adds a ton of flavor
Onion – sauteed first to bring a nice flavor too. My mom sometimes does raw onion, but I like it cooked. I guess either works well!
Breadcrumbs – I actually soak these with a little milk first for added moisture in the final result. Not totally necessary, but if you can do this, you should.
Eggs – pretty simple, this is our binder. Give them a light whisk first.

HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC MEATLOAF

First, saute the onion.
You can also soak the breadcrumbs with a little milk too.
Take a big bowl and add all the ingredients. You can mix with a big spoon, but clean hands do the best job.
I take a piece of parchment paper and lay it on a baking sheet. Plop down the mixture. Then I mold the meat with my hands into a rectangle, about 2 inches thick. You can use a bread tin but I find that it takes a lot longer to cook that way.

TIPS AND COMMON QUESTIONS FOR MEATLOAF

What to serve with a meatloaf? I love a side of mashed potatoes and something green, like broccoli, green beans, or a light salad.
Best way to bake it? I think on a baking sheet you mold with your hands. You can also use a bread loaf but it will take longer to cook.
Want a little crisp on the top? Broil for a few minutes in the end.
What to do with leftovers? Just warm it in the oven or microwave and serve it as it is. But a meatloaf sandwich is always a good idea too.

A close up of a meatloaf loaf with three sliced cut. It's set on parchment paper on a cutting board. there is a small piece of parsley on top.

MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS

Classic Meatloaf

A classic meatloaf with ground beef, lots of flavor, and simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Ingredients

2 lb Ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup try for a no-sugar added
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp worchestirshire sauce
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
salt & pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Start by saute the onion. Y for about 5 minutes. Soak the breadcrumbs with the milk in a small bowl.
Take a big bowl and add all the ingredients, including the onion and breadcrumbs. You can mix with a big spoon, but clean hands do the best job.
I take a piece of parchment paper and lay it on a baking sheet. Plop down the mixture. Then mold the meat with clean hands into a rectangle, about 2 inches thick. You can use a bread tin instead but I find that it takes a lot longer to cook that way.
Bake for 30 minutes, then you can broil for a few minutes if you want to get a little crust on top.
Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!