Grandma's Hearty Beef Meatloaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, slow-cooked meatloaf with a tangy tomato glaze, made with a blend of ground beef and pork for rich, old-fashioned flavor. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix gently with hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment, pressing firmly to compact; smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl; brush evenly over the meatloaf surface.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 50-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and glaze is bubbly and golden.
  5. Step 5: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grandma's Hearty Beef Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Grandma's Hearty Beef 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 Grandma's Hearty Beef 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 Grandma's Hearty Beef 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 Grandma's Hearty Beef 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.

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