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Grandma's Meatloaf

Recipes »  Main Dish  »  Meatloaf

Tried and True, this recipe was passed down to me from my maternal Grandmother. It is the meatloaf that she used to serve for Sunday dinner and has been a favorite of our family for as long as I can remember! Grandma always served it with scalloped potatoes and creamed corn. Try it with your favorite salad and vegetable side dishes.

"This is a very flavorful "old fashioned" meatloaf. Really light and super moist. I am trying out lots of meatloaf recipes as my new son in law doesnt care for my recipe and my daughter is looking for a new one. This will definately satisfy EVERYONE. Old fashioned, but very good. The red sauce is not ketchupy, but instead has a great sweet flavor. It baked and came to temperature in only one hour in my oven. The only thing I changed was to add a bit more flavor to the meat, garlic and onion powder. other than that. Perfect!!" - niceNspicy

Yield: 8 Ready in 45 minutes

Cuisine: American-SouthMain Ingredient: Ground Beef

(4.6, 54) 86% would make again (reviews)

Favorite 2,041 people favorited
Try Soon1,443 people trying soon

Grandma's Meatloaf
A good old-fashioned basic meatloaf that's full of flavor! Add some mashed potatoes, green beans, warm fresh baked rolls and you're set to indulge! photo by sgrishka Give a medal for this photo
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Servings          
Original recipe makes 8
Glaze; (optional)
1/4 cupChili sauce or ketchup
2 tablespoonsApple cider vinegar
1 dashWorcestershire sauce
1 dashHot pepper sauce
2 tablespoonsBrown sugar
Meatloaf
2 tablespoonsolive oil
1/2 largeOnion; finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (6 oz)Tomato paste
2 teaspoonsWorcestershire sauce
1/3 cupMilk; (scant)
2 poundsGround beef; (preferably 85 percent lean ground chuck)
2 largeEggs,; lightly beaten
16 Saltine crackers; finely crushed (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cupfresh parsley; Minced
1/2 teaspoonKosher salt; (or, to taste)
1/4 teaspoonFresh ground black pepper; (or, to taste)

Grandma's Meatloaf Preparation

For the glaze:

1) In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and brown sugar. Set aside. (Note: You may double (or more) the glaze, if desired. Also, a second batch of glaze, simmered over medium-low heat until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes, is good to serve seperately with the meatloaf.)

For the meatloaf:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2) In a medium skillet, saute onions in olive oil until just translucent, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

3) In a large bowl, mix together onion, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and milk until well combined.

4) Add ground beef, eggs, crushed crackers, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix with fork until evenly blended and mixture doesn''t stick to the bowl. If it sticks add more milk. (Note: Handle meat gently; it should be thoroughly combined but not made into a mushy paste.)

5) With wet hands, pat mixture into a greased 9- by 5- by 3-inch loaf pan. Line loaf pan with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up, if desired

6) Brush with glaze, if desired.

7) Place in center of preheated oven and bake, uncovered, until cooked through and a thermometer inserted into center registers 160 degrees F, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

8) Drain any excess fat, and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

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Add photo of this recipe...
  • Line loaf pan with parchment paper or foil for easy meatloaf removal as-well-as easy clean up. photo by sgrishka sgrishka

  • photo by Lovesconniepoopie Lovesconniepoopie

  • A good old-fashioned basic meatloaf that's full of flavor! Add some mashed potatoes, green beans, warm fresh baked rolls and you're set to indulge! photo by sgrishka sgrishka

  • Calories Per Serving: 259
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    Grandma's Meatloaf Reviews

    Give it a rating Would you make it again?   [please sign in to add your comment]
    3 weeks, 1 days, 7 hours, 48 minutes ago
    Turned out pretty good, I never thought of using chili sauce, I love that sauce...way better than ketchup!
    1 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 21 hours, 39 minutes ago
    I made this recipe for tonights dinner and my 2year old has become the biggest fan of it. My mother in law said it was great & wanted the recipe but I might have to hold this recipe hostage and as my secret weapon :) Thank you to ur grandmother for passing this down. Deeeelish!
    2 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 15 hours, 49 minutes ago
    2 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes ago
    4 months, 2 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes ago
    Too sweet tasting for meatloaf I thought. Didn't like at all.
    4 months, 2 weeks, 16 hours, 20 minutes ago
    This is the best meatloaf I have ever had. Amazing.
    5 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, 16 hours, 27 minutes ago
    Just made it, took a little to fry a mini hamburger to check the taste.......very good! Can't wait for dinner!
    6 months, 6 days, 19 minutes ago
    The sauce was great. But the meatloaf was dry and not very flavorful.
    6 months, 1 weeks, 1 days, 20 hours, 35 minutes ago
    6 months, 1 weeks, 5 days, 16 hours, 22 minutes ago
    I love this meatloaf. We've had it a few times. The last time I made it I didn't see any specific measurements? I'm not sure why. Maybe a big oven bug. The meatloaf is delicious!
    7 months, 2 days, 3 hours, 50 minutes ago
    Made it using breadcrumbs instead of crackers. Moist, tasty and the kids loved it.
    9 months, 2 days, 11 hours, 17 minutes ago
    Best recipe yet. Will be serving at the next family gathering!
    9 months, 1 weeks, 6 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes ago
    This was a delicious meatloaf. I used ground turkey and added chopped green pepper. The whole family loved it and asked for seconds. Will definitely make again.
    9 months, 2 weeks, 1 days, 3 hours, 46 minutes ago
    Probably the best meatloaf I've ever made. Everyone cleared off their plates. Lol. We did add celery to the batch tho, and it helped give alittle crunch. Definitely going to be my go-to recipe. 5 stars!!
    9 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 15 hours, 11 minutes ago
    The meat: this one was one of the more time-consuming meatloaf recipes to put together and definitely the most bland in taste. No bang for the buck at all. Husband and guests all hated it and I had to make another meal on the fly.

    The glaze : simple but yet a little unique, my favorite glaze yet - I plan to use it again and again and making this recipe was more than worth the time and trouble to discover this easy-to-make yummy glaze.
    10 months, 1 days, 2 hours, 4 minutes ago
    This is a fantastic recipe. I made it for my husband who loves meatloaf. The glaze makes this dish and I would definitely recommend making extra. Will definitely make again.
    10 months, 3 days, 4 hours, 59 minutes ago
    I love this recipe. It is so good we love it
    10 months, 6 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes ago
    My whole family loved it! Best meatloaf ever!
    11 months, 16 hours, 45 minutes ago
    Excellent meatloaf! I used a Thai pepper sauce with the glaze and made a double batch. Having a little extra glaze to pour over the top while on my plate really put it over the top. 85% lean ground beef was just right. Not too dry and not too fatty. My family loved it. I will definitely be making it again.
    1 years, 1 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes ago

    Tags

    1. Saute
    2. Bake
    3. saltine crackers
    4. hot pepper sauce
    5. Worcestershire sauce
    6. American-South
    7. pepper
    8. Salt
    9. parsley
    10. eggs
    11. ground beef
    12. milk
    13. tomato paste
    14. onion
    15. olive oil
    16. brown sugar
    17. vinegar
    18. ketchup
    19. chili sauce
    20. glaze
    21. meatloaf
    22. Main Dish
    23. Ground Beef

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