Classic Comfort Meatloaf
A hearty, flavorful meatloaf with a crispy crust and juicy interior, perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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
- 800 g ground beef
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Press mixture into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, shaping it into a compact loaf. Top with a dollop of ketchup for a glaze.
- Step 3: Bake for 60-70 minutes until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and top is golden-brown. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 4: Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy, or a green salad for balance.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Comfort 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 Classic Comfort 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 Comfort 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 Comfort 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 Comfort 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
