Grandma’s Classic Meatloaf Recipe
This classic meatloaf recipe, passed down through generations, offers a comforting taste of home with each savory bite. It’s the perfect blend of ground beef, oats, and bacon, creating a hearty meal that’s just as delightful in a sandwich the next day, whether enjoyed warm or cold. The simplicity of this dish makes it an ideal choice for beginners, and its rich flavor ensures it will be a family favorite for years to come.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 packet dried onion soup mix
Instructions:
-
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the meatloaf bakes evenly and achieves a perfect texture.
-
Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, dried onion soup mix, tomato sauce, and old-fashioned oats. Stir these ingredients together until well blended. The oats will absorb some of the moisture, giving the meatloaf a lovely, hearty texture.
-
Add the Beef: Gently incorporate the ground beef into the mixture. For best results, use your hands to combine everything thoroughly. This method ensures that the beef is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, creating a cohesive loaf.
-
Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan. Press it down gently to form a uniform loaf shape. The loaf pan will help the meatloaf keep its shape as it cooks.
-
Top with Bacon: Lay the bacon slices on top of the meatloaf. The bacon will crisp up during cooking, adding a delicious smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the top of the meatloaf.
-
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The bacon should be nicely crisped on top.
-
Rest and Slice: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf easier to slice. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the pan and slice into portions.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatloaf warm from the oven or allow it to cool for making sandwiches the next day. This versatile dish is perfect for both a hearty dinner and a delicious cold sandwich!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 441.7
- Fat: 23.9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8.9 grams
- Cholesterol: 142.9 milligrams
- Sodium: 1195 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 23.2 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Sugar: 3.1 grams
- Protein: 32.1 grams
This meatloaf recipe embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the process of making it as much as you enjoy eating it, and revel in the joy of a classic family recipe that’s both simple and delicious. 🍽️🍴
