Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf
A historically inspired meatloaf featuring a savory tomato glaze and a blend of ground beef and pork, slow-baked to perfection like a piece of culinary history. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 0.5 lbs ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup, finely diced yellow onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 0.5 lbs ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Press the mixture evenly into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a damp spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the surface is deeply browned with slight cracks.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with any accumulated juices spooned over the top for maximum flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic 1920s Martin's Meatloaf?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
