Timeless Grandma's Meatloaf with Herb Crust

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic meatloaf with a herbed breadcrumb crust, featuring slow-cooked carrots and a savory tomato glaze. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, grated carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 2 grated carrots, 1/2 diced onion, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme; mix gently with hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Press mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, then spread 1/4 cup of the ketchup mixture (3 tbsp ketchup + 1 tsp vinegar + 1 tbsp brown sugar) evenly over the top.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp chopped parsley over the ketchup layer.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the crust is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Timeless Grandma's Meatloaf with Herb Crust 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 Timeless Grandma's 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 Timeless Grandma's 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 Timeless Grandma's 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 Timeless Grandma's 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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