Classic American Meatloaf
A hearty, savory meatloaf with a crispy crust and juicy interior, the best comfort food for any occasion. This american-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 1.5kg ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Form into a loaf, then press bread crumbs and an egg into the top for a crispy crust.
- Step 3: Bake for 60-70 minutes until golden and cooked through, then let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 4: Serve with mashed potatoes and a side of gravy for the best comfort food experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic American Meatloaf take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (40 min prep + 70 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 Classic American 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 Classic American 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 Classic American Meatloaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Classic American Meatloaf?
American beef 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
