🥩 Classic American Meatloaf (Old-School Comfort Food)
🇺🇸 A Dinner Table Icon in America
Meatloaf is one of the most traditional home-cooked meals in the United States. For decades, it has been a staple of family dinners—simple, filling, and made with ingredients most households already have.
Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, meatloaf represents classic American comfort food at its best.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Meatloaf
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
🔥 How to Make Classic American Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt & pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
Mix gently until just combined.
👉 Don’t overmix—this keeps the meatloaf tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the pan or on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until fully cooked and slightly caramelized on top.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips from American Home Kitchens
- Use 80/20 beef for moisture
- Let it rest before cutting
- Add bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor
- Leftovers make great sandwiches
🍽️ What Americans Serve with Meatloaf
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Corn
- Dinner rolls
🧠 Why Meatloaf Still Matters in the U.S.
Meatloaf is comfort, nostalgia, and practicality in one dish. It’s affordable, easy to make, and deeply tied to American family life—especially weeknight dinners.