Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting American staple featuring a savory beef and pork blend, crowned with a herbed breadcrumbs crust and served with roasted root vegetables. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Step 2: Press mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. Step 3: While meatloaf bakes, toss 2 sliced medium carrots and 2 sliced medium parsnips with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized at edges.
  4. Step 4: After 45 minutes, remove meatloaf from oven. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup additional bread crumbs, 1 tsp chopped thyme, and 1 tsp olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over meatloaf, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Return to oven for 10 minutes until crust is golden and crisp. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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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