Homemade Meatloaf

Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf: A Timeless Treasure with a Tangy Twist

This recipe is a heartfelt homage to classic comfort food, evoking nostalgic memories of childhood dinners. Imagine a homemade meatloaf crafted with love, featuring lean ground beef, a harmonious blend of savory spices, and a touch of sweetness for balance. But this isn't your average meatloaf! It boasts a vibrant, zesty topping that infuses every bite with an explosion of flavor.

Why You Should Make Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf:

• A Beloved Family Tradition: This recipe is guaranteed to bring back warm memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Simple Yet Bursting with Flavor: Don't be intimidated by the short ingredient list. This recipe packs a powerful punch in the flavor department. The secret lies in the clever use of a dry onion soup mix for a burst of savory goodness, and a zesty topping that adds another dimension of taste.
• Weeknight Dinnertime Hero: This dish comes together quickly and requires minimal preparation, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients for Your Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf Adventure:

Meatloaf Magic:

• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (for texture and to bind the ingredients)
• 1/4 cup milk (to soften the oats and add moisture)
• 1 pound ground beef (the protein base of the dish)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (to bind everything together)
• 1 package dry onion soup mix (a flavor shortcut packed with savory goodness)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for a touch of garlicky depth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami for extra savory richness)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup (for sweetness and a touch of tang)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (a touch of peppery heat)

Zesty Topping:

• 1/4 cup ketchup (the base for the topping)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and complexity)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (for a tangy zip to balance the sweetness)

Step-by-Step Guide to Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf Bliss:

1. Oat Soak: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats and milk. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, allowing the oats to absorb the milk and become softened.
2. Flavor Explosion: To the oat mixture, add the ground beef, beaten eggs, dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the oats are evenly incorporated throughout the meat mixture.
3. Shaping the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 1 ¾ inches thick in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
4. Baking the Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
5. Zesty Topping Time: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the topping by whisking together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard in a small bowl.
6. The Grand Glaze: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush the top and sides generously with the prepared zesty topping.
7. Back in the Oven: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
8. Resting for Perfection: Once baked through, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meatloaf.
9. Slice and Savor: Slice your Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf and enjoy! The combination of the savory meatloaf with the zesty topping is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This recipe is a delicious and comforting addition to any weeknight dinner table.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork in the meatloaf mixture.
• If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can substitute with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
• Want to add some veggies? Finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meatloaf mixture.
• Serve your Grandma's Hearty Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables,