Johnson's Classic Meatloaf

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

Moist and flavorful with a sweet ketchup glaze, this meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  3. Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, shaping into a uniform loaf.
  4. Step 4: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Classic 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 Johnson's Classic 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 Johnson's Classic 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 Johnson's Classic 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 Johnson's Classic 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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