
This vintage meatloaf recipe, penned by Ms. Mapp, blends hearty, comforting ingredients into a classic loaf that’s both easy and economical. Quick oats replace traditional breadcrumbs for a tender texture, while a sweet-savory combo of brown sugar, tomato juice, and ketchup or barbecue sauce forms a flavorful glaze. It's the kind of home-style dish that graced mid-century dinner tables, served with mashed potatoes or green beans. This version leans slightly sweet, giving it a nostalgic flavor that's stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- ¾ cup quick cooking oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup onion (chopped )
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup ketchup ( or barbecue sauce)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, quick oats, brown sugar, chopped onion, tomato juice, eggs, and salt and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Press the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Finish Baking
- Remove pan from oven. Pour ketchup or barbecue sauce evenly over the top.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm.
Tips
- Add chopped bell pepper for more texture and flavor.
- Substitute barbecue sauce entirely for a smokier flavor profile.
- Mix half ground beef and half ground pork for a richer result.
- Top with additional ketchup, barbecue sauce, or tomato glaze before baking.
- Use rolled oats instead of quick oats for a slightly chewier texture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
- Swap tomato juice for tomato sauce if you prefer a thicker mixture.
- Mix in grated carrot or zucchini to add moisture and vegetables.
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Make into mini loaves for faster baking time (~25 to 30 minutes).
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 21gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

