Mom's Classic Meatloaf

Published: Feb 20, 2019 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 39 Comments

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Meatloaf is a recipe that everyone should know how to make! Mom’s Classic Meatloaf is just that…. THEBEST! Comfort food at its finest!

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Believe it or not, one of my favorite recipes growing up was mom’s meatloaf. Perfectly moist, packed with flavor, and the one meal I requested for my birthday dinner! Each year, my mom would make my brother and I whichever meal we wanted for our birthdays, and this tasty dish was my go-to. Served with mashed potatoes and a veggie, I would be one happy girl!

Mom’s Classic Meatloaf is a family favorite recipe that has the best flavor! This meatloaf recipe is easy to make, holds together, and has an incredible glaze on top!

My dad and brother weren’t fans of meatloaf, so they didn’t particularly love my birthday choice each year, ha-ha!

A few months back, my mom tweaked her go to meatloaf recipe and it’s even better (didn’t know that was even possible)! The ketchup sauce she covers it with is one of my favorite parts about this! Even my dad enjoys it nowadays!!

Now that I have a family of my own, it’s fun cooking dishes I loved as a kid. My three kids enjoy meatloaf and scrape their plates clean each time this is served!

This dish is classic comfort food at its finest! So many different varieties out there, but this one is a must try! If you’re looking for a hearty meal to serve your family, look no further!

Plus, isn’t mom’s cooking always a winner?!?!

Check out these other great recipes:

Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Vegetable Beef Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Mom’s Zucchini Bread

BEST EVER Mom’s Herbed Beer Bread

Ingredients Needed for Mom’s Classic Meatloaf:

Ground Beef
Quick Oats
Milk
Egg
Onion
Salt/Pepper
Ketchup
Brown Sugar
Mustard

How to prepare:

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, oats, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and press meat mixture evenly into pan.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Spread mixture evenly on top of meat mixture.
Place pan in preheated oven, 350 degrees, and bake for about 75 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to set up for a few minutes before serving!

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3.94 from 82 votes

Meatloaf is a classic recipe that everyone should know how to make! Mom makes it best and this is just that....THE BEST! Good comfort food at its finest!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatloaf

Servings: 6

Calories: 392kcal

Author: The Cookin' Chicks

Equipment

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cup ketchup
4 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, combine the beef, oats, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to incorporate everything.
Transfer meat mixture into a loaf pan and press down evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Pour mixture evenly on top of meatloaf.
Place pan into preheated oven and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes (keep an eye on it as oven temps vary).
Remove from oven and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving! Enjoy!

Nutrition

More Beef

Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
Frito Taco Bake
Easy Frito Taco Pie
French Onion Beef Sliders

Reader Interactions

Comments

Mary Beth
January 4, 2024 at 1:51 pm

Excellent recipe and I will use it from now on. Thank you and I enjoy all your posts.
Reply
- Kristin
  January 5, 2024 at 12:48 pm
  Yay!! So glad you enjoyed and love hearing that you enjoy the recipes!!
  Reply
- Barbara Smith
  May 7, 2024 at 2:34 pm
  
  I am going to try this meatloaf tonight. thanks
  Reply
  - Kristin
    May 7, 2024 at 3:28 pm
    Yay! Keep me posted what you think! It is a favorite in my house! Comfort food at its finest!
Sharyn
February 9, 2023 at 11:53 pm

Your mom’s meatloaf recipe is the same exact recipe as my mom’s, right down to the ketchup sauce on top. I can safely say I have been enjoying this meatloaf since the 1950s. Everyone, give this recipe a try, you will be glad you did.
Reply
- Kristin
  February 10, 2023 at 6:55 am
  Awww, love that! It is definitely a classic family recipe! That sauce may just go down as my fav part!!
  Reply
Mysti
January 3, 2023 at 3:48 am
I have made this meatloaf for years and throw in a cup of shredded cheese when lots of kids around. I make mini loaves on rimmed cookie sheet, same temp about an hour.
Reply
- Kristin
  January 3, 2023 at 7:53 am
  Oh, I love that idea! What a great addition!! Thanks for sharing, I will need to try that too!!
  Reply
Cindy
July 23, 2022 at 8:28 am

Meatloaf is my most favorite meal. I use Italian breadcrumbs and also put a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Yummy!
Reply
- Kristin
  July 23, 2022 at 10:08 am
  Sounds delicious too! It is definitely my fav! Such tasty comfort food!
  Reply
Jerry Bollfrass
January 19, 2022 at 12:10 pm

Definitely going to make this. Love meatloaf. Thanks.
Reply
- Kristin
  January 19, 2022 at 12:26 pm
  Yay! Keep me posted what you think! This meatloaf is a family fav!!
  Reply
Kathie Weatherford
June 7, 2021 at 7:21 pm
Does anyone know the calorie count?
Reply
- Kristin
  June 8, 2021 at 9:48 am
  Just updated the recipe card to show nutritional value! Enjoy!
  Reply
Kevbeaux
September 3, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Years ago, my cousin gave my mother her recipe for meatloaf, which I as a teen, begged my Mom to get it. Mom made her meatloaf with oats too. It was ok, but just ok? She made my cousin’s and it tasted like Moms same old meatloaf. I found out years ago that my cousin made her topping with. Del Monte Ketchup and Mom made hers with Tomato sauce. The recipe hadn’t mentioned the topping. The sugar and spices in Ketchup made all the differences. Making yours soonest!
Reply
- Kristin
  September 4, 2020 at 11:34 am
  Hope you enjoy this version!! The topping is my favorite part! Keep me posted!
  Reply
Jennifer Svoboda
July 16, 2020 at 11:27 am
Peggy Dodge, try this pan. https://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Ray-47364-Bakeware-Meatloaf/dp/B07F7V6X6L/ref=psdc_289677_t1_B00QXGQ716
I have her older version that I LOVE!!!
Reply
Linda Brown
March 7, 2020 at 5:22 pm

I make my meatloaf similar to yours.
My Dad’s favorite meal. With tomato gravy using the grease from the meatloaf. It’s to die for !
Reply
- Kristin
  March 8, 2020 at 10:19 am
  Oh yum!! I love meatloaf, definitely one of my favorite dinners!
  Reply
Roxy
January 21, 2020 at 9:07 pm

Exactly the same as my mom’s recipe except for the ketchup on top. It’s a favorite of my oldest grandchildren, in fact the first recipe requested when they moved away from my house. Wonderful sliced for sandwiches the next day, assuming there’s anything left over.
Reply
- Kristin
  January 22, 2020 at 7:44 am
  Oh yes, leftovers (if any) are always just as yummy!! Its a favorite of mine for sure!!
  Reply
Kathryn
November 24, 2019 at 10:49 pm
If you use regular oatmeal….soak it for an hour in the milk first.
Reply
- Kristin
  November 25, 2019 at 1:48 pm
  Good tip, thanks!!
  Reply
Alice
November 24, 2019 at 7:08 am
Could you use panko bread crumbs instead of the oats? If you don’t have quick cook oats, could you use regular?
Reply
- Kristin
  November 25, 2019 at 1:46 pm
  You can definitely use breadcrumbs and regular oats in lieu of the quick oats! It simply helps hold it together to bake! Breadcrumbs are a better option! Enjoy!
  Reply
Susan G.
November 9, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Oh and one more thing…I use a meatloaf pan so there is no need to worry about grease.
Reply
- Kristin
  November 10, 2019 at 12:04 pm
  What a great idea!
  Reply
Susan G.
November 9, 2019 at 2:43 pm

So…I just recently discovered your site and made your delicious Mayonnaise Banana Bread and was thrilled with the results. Today I was thinking…I think meatloaf really sounds good so once again I came to your site and…there it was…a meatloaf recipe. Well why not so I mixed up this very simple recipe and yet again you have given a simply great and simple recipe. I made it exactly as you have it and it is jus awesome. So once I cleaned the sauce off my mouth….I ran a couple of slices over to an elderly friend of mine and she too loved it and said she hoped I made it again soon.
I got to thinking you must have an arsenal of recipes so I subscribed to your website in hope of finding other good stuff!!!
Thanks again for the meatloaf recipe…it is so good.
Reply
- Kristin
  November 10, 2019 at 12:04 pm
  Wow, what a sweet comment! I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed the banana bread and meatloaf. The meatloaf is my mom’s recipe, so she’ll be happy to hear it was a hit! I am so glad you subscribed to my site, you’ll receive the latest recipes directly in your email.
  Enjoy and have a wonderful Sunday!
  Reply
Lori
October 25, 2019 at 2:47 am
I place white loaf bread slices in the bottom of my meatloaf pan…soaks up the grease.
Reply
- Kristin
  October 25, 2019 at 6:59 am
  Oooo, great idea!
  Reply
Peggy Dodge
May 6, 2019 at 7:08 pm
For the hamburger do you use 70-30 80-20. I Love meatloaf but I always end up with way to much grease . Any advice for me?
Reply
- Kristin
  May 7, 2019 at 7:01 am
  Typically, I use 80/20, but I have used the 70/30 and its turned out great as well! Start with the 80/20 and see what you think! My family loves it and its never too greasy!
  Reply
Mikegoodman
March 31, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Next time your mother makes it. Invite me. I love meatloaf. It be a joy to say happy birthday. Amen.
Reply
- Kristin
  April 1, 2019 at 10:37 am
  Hehe, deal! Meatloaf is a favorite of mine, so hopefully soon she’ll make it again!
  Reply
Richard
March 26, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Great receipe. Makes a super good main course. Thank you.
Reply
- Kristin
  March 27, 2019 at 12:42 pm
  Thanks! Glad you enjoy! It sure makes a tasty main course indeed!
  Reply
Susan Florin
March 19, 2019 at 1:00 am

I love meat loaf thanks for the recipe . I will be happy 😃 to try it.
Reply
- Kristin
  March 19, 2019 at 6:58 am
  Be sure to let me know what you think of it! Its a favorite of mine!!
  Reply

Mom's Classic Meatloaf - The Cookin Chicks (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375? ›

The oven temperature is typically set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That's the temperature you want to be sure to use so the meatloaf cooks and doesn't dry out. Too high, and the outer crust will burn before the interior is cooked all the way, too low and you don't get that delicious crust.

Explore More ›

Do you put ketchup on top of meatloaf before cooking? ›

Whether you slather a thick layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf before it goes into the oven, add a few tablespoons to the ground meat mixture, or serve extra ketchup on the side, this tangy-sweet, umami-rich condiment balances out the richness of the beef, making it an essential part of the dish.

Find Out More ›

What temperature is meatloaf done at 375 degrees? ›

How long to cook meatloaf at 375°F? At 375°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 40 to 50 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.

What temperature is a 2 pound meatloaf done at? ›

Toward the end of the cooking time (our standard two-pound meatloaf takes about one hour), follow this simple method to know when it's done. Use an instant-read thermometer ($18, Walmart). The meat loaf's internal temperature should register 160°F when the thermometer is inserted into the center.

Should you cover a meatloaf when baking it? ›

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

Find Out More ›

How to tell when meatloaf is done? ›

As noted above, the most reliable way to tell when meatloaf is done is by checking the internal temperature of the meatloaf with an instant-read thermometer, inserting it into the center of the meatloaf. Meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Does meatloaf continue to cook while resting? ›

How To Avoid Overcooking Meatloaf. First off, use an instant read thermometer for the best results. When your meatloaf's temperature reaches 155 F you can safely remove it from the oven. As it rests, the temperature will slowly keep rising until your optimum serving temperature of 160-165 F.

Know More ›

What is the basic meatloaf formula? ›

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

Read The Full Story ›

Does meatloaf need to be 160? ›

How long to cook meatloaf depends on the size of the loaf and the temperature of the oven. Ideally, you want to fully cook the inside to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Read The Full Story ›

What temp is good for meatloaf? ›

Because meatloaf is cooked in a moderately-hot oven—350°F (171°C)— there will be some carryover cooking, so pull it from heat at 155°F (68°C). That critical temperature will give you a meatloaf that is both safe and as juicy as possible.

Tell Me More ›

Why is my meatloaf not cooking in the middle? ›

The reason your meatloaf may still be pink in the middle when fully cooked is nitrates. Nitrates are natural chemicals that bind proteins in the meat to prevent them from releasing oxygen molecules during cooking.

Show Me More ›

Mom's Classic Meatloaf - The Cookin Chicks (2024)