This classic meatloaf recipe blends ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and milk for a moist and flavorful dish. Baked in loaf pans and shaped with care, it's designed to be dense and hearty yet tender, perfect for a comforting family meal. Often served with mashed potatoes or green beans, this dish reflects the frugal, resourceful cooking style of mid-20th-century home kitchens. The larger-scale version noted on the back was likely used for community gatherings or large family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 onion (small, diced)
- ⅗ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅘ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅖ tsp salt (inferred based on standard practices)
- Optional: pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Dice onion and measure milk, breadcrumbs, and meat.
Step 2: Mix Components
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated onion, and salt with the ground meat.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Milk
- Beat eggs slightly in a small bowl, then pour over meat mixture. Add milk. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Fill Pans
- Grease two loaf pans well. Divide the mixture evenly and press it into the pans. Press well into corners and avoid doming the center.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned on top.
Tips
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra tenderness.
- Soak breadcrumbs briefly in milk before mixing for a softer loaf.
- Add a tablespoon of ketchup or tomato sauce to the mixture for moisture.
- Top with ketchup or chili sauce before baking for a classic glaze.
- Finely chop onions to prevent texture pockets.
- Let the loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to hold its shape.
- Bake on a rack set over a pan to allow excess fat to drip away.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 3.4mg
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