Smith's Hearty American Meatloaf

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

A comforting classic with a savory tomato glaze, featuring the most common surname in U.S. history as a nod to its cultural roots. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs pounds ground beef, pound ground pork, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined—do not overmix.
  2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and press firmly into shape. Spread 1/4 cup tomato sauce evenly over the top.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 50-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are golden brown. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Hearty American 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 Smith's Hearty 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 pounds ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Hearty 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 Smith's Hearty American 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 Smith's Hearty American 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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