Table of Contents: Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe
Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Old Fashion Meatloaf that takes you back to simpler times. This Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe is a nostalgic dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or easy weeknight meals, this classic meatloaf recipe combines hearty ground beef, oats, and a tangy tomato sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re recreating Grandma’s kitchen or trying this beloved dish for the first time, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Introduction: Why This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe Is Special
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a classic meatloaf. This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe is a timeless treasure that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, tender, and hearty dish. Its unique blend of oats, ground beef, and a tangy tomato sauce topping sets it apart from modern twists, offering a taste of tradition that resonates with families everywhere.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing a cozy Sunday dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe delivers. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, pairing well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
What makes this classic meatloaf dinner stand out is its simplicity. You won’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just a few pantry staples and a little love. It’s a reminder that the best meals are often the ones steeped in tradition and shared with loved ones.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe goes by many names, all evoking the same sense of nostalgia. You might know it as Old Fashion Meatloaf, Mom’s Meatloaf, or Grandma’s Meatloaf. Some variations include using breadcrumbs instead of oats, adding cheese for extra richness, or swapping tomato soup for ketchup in the sauce. No matter the name or tweaks, the heart of the dish remains the same.
Ingredients: Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe

Meat Mixture:
– 1 1/2 lb ground beef
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup oats
– 1/2 cup tomato soup
– 1 onion, finely sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
– 1/2 cup tomato soup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vinegar
– 2 tsp mustard
– 1 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, oats, tomato soup, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well but avoid overworking the meat.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the tomato soup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Top the Meatloaf: Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
6. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the reserved sauce on the side.
Chef Tip: For a juicier meatloaf, use a blend of ground beef and ground pork. If you’re short on time, skip the sauce and use ketchup as a quick topping.
Recipe Card Block
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: 450 per serving
This Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe is a quick and easy dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe works because it sticks to the basics while delivering big flavors. The combination of oats and tomato soup keeps the meatloaf moist and tender, while the tangy sauce adds a delightful sweetness and acidity.
Expert Tips:
– For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
– Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain its juices.
– Double the sauce recipe for extra dipping on the side.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
People Also Ask: Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe

What Makes Old Fashioned Meatloaf Different?
Old fashioned meatloaf stands out for its simplicity and nostalgic ingredients. Unlike modern versions, it often uses oats or breadcrumbs as binders and relies on a tangy tomato-based sauce. This classic approach results in a tender, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
How Do I Make Classic Meatloaf Like My Grandma’s?
To recreate your grandma’s classic meatloaf, stick to traditional ingredients like ground beef, oats, and tomato soup. Avoid overmixing the meat and bake it slowly to retain moisture. A tangy tomato sauce topping is the finishing touch that brings it all together.
What’s the Best Meat Blend for Old Fashioned Meatloaf?
The best meat blend for old fashioned meatloaf is a mix of ground beef and ground pork. This combination adds richness and moisture to the dish, making it tender and flavorful.
Can I Add Cheese to Traditional Meatloaf?
Yes, adding cheese to traditional meatloaf is a delicious twist. Consider mixing shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
Conclusion: Try This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe Today
There’s no denying the enduring appeal of a classic meatloaf. This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and time-honored techniques. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table.
We’d love to hear how your meatloaf turned out! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy cooking!
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Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashion Meatloaf Recipe brings back cozy, nostalgic flavors with a juicy, tender loaf that’s packed with seasoning and topped with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, but do not overmix.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish or loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze.
- Spread glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra moisture, add a bit of grated carrot or zucchini to the mix. This classic dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, old fashioned, classic dinner