Old fashioned Momma’s Meatloaf

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of old-fashioned meatloaf, especially when it’s made following a cherished family recipe. This meatloaf brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of this hearty dish would fill the kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. The combination of tender, flavorful ground beef mixed with simple seasonings and topped with a generous layer of ketchup is a classic that never goes out of style.

My earliest memory of meatloaf takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She would always let me help tear the bread into small pieces, a task I took very seriously. As the meatloaf baked, the scent would waft through the house, and I could barely contain my excitement. Once it was finally ready, we’d gather around the table and enjoy the delicious, comforting meal together. Those Sunday dinners weren’t just about the food; they were about family, love, and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal. Now, every time I make this meatloaf, I’m reminded of those precious moments, and I hope to pass this tradition on to my own family.

INGREDIENTS:

To make this classic meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef: Choose beef with some fat content for best results.

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

3 slices bread, torn up into small pieces: You can use bread crumbs as a substitute.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tablespoon onion powder or 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup ketchup

DIRECTIONS:

Preparing the Meatloaf

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, egg, bread pieces, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder (or chopped onion), salt, dry ground mustard, black pepper, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will feel a bit wet, but that’s normal.

Shape the Meatloaf:

Spread the mixture into an ungreased loaf pan. Alternatively, you can shape it into a loaf on a sheet pan. The latter method helps excess fat to drain away from the meatloaf as it cooks.

Top with Ketchup:

Spread the ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf. This adds a wonderful tangy glaze that caramelizes as the meatloaf bakes …