Grandma's Meat Loaf
This meat loaf is an old-fashioned favorite, made with lean ground beef, chili sauce or ketchup, oats, and other ingredients and seasonings. I usually use extra lean ground beef with 1/2 pound of ground pork. If you use all ground beef, 85% makes a good, juicy meatloaf, or choose ground chuck or ground round.
This meat loaf is an old-fashioned favorite, made with lean ground beef, chili sauce or ketchup, oats, and other ingredients and seasonings. I usually use extra lean ground beef with 1/2 pound of ground pork. If you use all ground beef, 85% makes a good, juicy meatloaf, or choose ground chuck or ground round.
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ribs celery chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or 1 lb. lean ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork
- 3/4 cup oats quick or old-fashioned
- 3 tablespoons water or milk
- Carbohydrate 15.5776416666667 g
- Cholesterol 137.3085 mg
- Fat 21.3390417916667 g
- Fiber 2.57845841603974 g
- Protein 34.0766128333333 g
- Saturated Fat 7.30219002415625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (189g)
- Sodium 725.41955 mg
- Sugar 12.9991832506269 g
- Trans Fat 3.12978693656459 g
- Calories 396 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef or beef and pork mixture, oats, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, beaten egg, celery and onion mixture, and the water or milk.
- In a 13x9-inch baking pan, shape meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf.
- Bake at 375° for 1 hour.
- Using 2 spatulas, carefully move meat loaf to a serving plate and slice.
- Serves 6 to 8.
Grandma's Meat Loaf: A Timeless Recipe
This isn't just a meatloaf recipe; it's a story. It's the story of Sunday dinners, warm kitchens filled with the aroma of simmering goodness, and the comforting embrace of family gathered around a table laden with food made with love. This is Grandma's meatloaf, a recipe passed down through generations, a testament to the simple joys of home-cooked meals. It's a recipe that evokes memories of cozy evenings and the feeling of being utterly cherished. The secret? It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the love and care poured into every step of the process.
For years, I watched Grandma meticulously prepare this meatloaf. I remember the rhythmic chopping of the celery and onion, the careful mixing of the ground beef and pork, the way she’d gently shape the loaf, ensuring every bit was perfectly formed. It wasn't a chore for her; it was a labor of love, a way to nurture her family and share her warmth. That same warmth is in every bite of this meatloaf. It’s a recipe that’s more than just food; it’s a hug in a dish.
Over the years, I’ve adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes, but the essence remains the same. I always use a combination of lean ground beef and ground pork; it adds a richness and juiciness that just can’t be beat. The oats provide a wonderful texture, and the chili sauce (or ketchup, if that's your preference) adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the beef. The Worcestershire sauce? Don't even think about leaving that out. It provides that essential umami depth that takes this meatloaf from good to extraordinary. I often add a splash of milk or water to the mixture – it helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. And it's worth noting that the baking time can vary depending on your oven, so always keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
More than just a meal, this meatloaf is a tradition. It's a comforting classic that never fails to bring a smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for you. It's a recipe that speaks volumes about the power of simple ingredients and the extraordinary love that goes into making a truly memorable dish. I often think of Grandma as I make it, remembering her warm smile and the feeling of being completely loved and cared for. The meatloaf is delicious, of course, but the memories and emotions it evokes are even more so.
So gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the magic of Grandma's Meat Loaf. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a legacy, a story, and a taste of home.
