Click below to listen to this post about Mom’s meatloaf on Candidly Kendra Eats:

I always feel funny eating meatloaf. I wonder, is it ok that I like this?

Meat.

Loaf.

But, it is what it is, and I have to honestly admit I’m a big fan of meatloaf.

Are you?

It can be covered in barbecue sauce, covered in gravy, or topped with ketchup and I’ll be happy to see it on the plate in front of me – and even happier to take that first bite.

But my all-time favorite meatloaf is my mom’s recipe. I’m not sure mom was much of a meatloaf fan. She would take a tiny slice and then fill her plate with the other goodies on the table. But Dad and I dug into it enthusiastically, along with a tall glass of milk.

If you’re looking for some comfort food on a chilly evening, give this recipe a try. Maybe your family will love it, too!

Mom’s Meatloaf Digest

Meatloaf is so quick and easy to throw together, but make sure that you give yourself 1 – 1 1/2 hours to bake it. The good news is that you can bake a few potatoes alongside it in the oven and they’ll be done at the same time.

Here is the summary:

In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef, 1 packet of the Lipton onion soup mix (store brand is fine), 1/2 cup water, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs, and 1 tsp. salt (optional). Combine those ingredients well. Honestly, it’s just way easiest to use your hands. And don’t panic, you can wash your hands when you’re done.
Spray your broiler pan, or a baking sheet with cooking spray. If you’re using a broiler pan, make sure to spray both pieces of the pan.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf of even thickness. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. If I need it to cook faster, I cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, and another 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
Use a meat thermometer to check if the meatloaf is done. It should measure 160 degrees.
If you want to, right after you put the meatloaf in the oven, wash a few baking potatoes. Prick them several times with a fork, and set them on the oven rack next to your meatloaf. They will be done at the same time as the meatloaf.

I say give meatloaf a change! Try my Mom’s recipe below.

Print Recipe

Mom’s Meatloaf

This is the perfect comfort food! Pair it with baked potatoes and a green vegetable for a great family meal!

Prep Time5

Cook Time1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort food

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
1 packet onion soup mix (like Lipton)
½ cup water
2 eggs
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 tsp salt
1 ½ cup dried bread crumbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, mix together the beef, onion soup mix, water, eggs, ¾ cup ketchup, salt, and bread crumbs. Try to get a cohesive mixture but avoid overmixing.
Spray a broiler pan or a baking sheet with cooking spray.* Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the pan. Cover with remaining ¼ cup ketchup. Bake for 1 ½ hours. (If you're in a bit of hurry, you can cook it for 30 minutes at 350° and then another 30 minutes at 400°.) Check the meatloaf with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°.

Notes

*I use a broiler pan because that allows the drippings to drain. Make sure to spray the both parts of the broiler pan for easy cleanup

Note: Right after you put the meatloaf in the oven, wash baking potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Dry well and bake directly on the rack alongside your meatloaf. They will be done at the same time!