Easy Old Fashioned Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Last Updated on October 25, 2026 by Mr. B

This Easy Old Fashioned Homemade Meatloaf Recipe comes straight from a vintage family cookbook and perfected over the years. It is the ultimate comfort food dinner! Baked to perfection with a classic, sweet and tangy red glaze, this meatloaf made from scratch is flavorful and simple to prep.

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A classic, old fashioned homemade meatloaf fresh out of the oven!

It goes great with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or green beans. Plus, it holds together perfectly, meaning any leftovers make fantastic meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

A hearty slice of homemade meatloaf served with classic mashed potatoes.

It is a hearty, nostalgic main dish that is guaranteed to become a regular on your family’s dinner rotation!

Want more ground beef recipes? Try these:

Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Recipe

Mini Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Frito Pie Casserole Recipe

Easy Old Fashioned Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

This easy old fashioned homemade meatloaf recipe is a classic family favorite! Baked with a rich red glaze, it is the perfect comfort food dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 5 -6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• Loaf:
• 1 LB Ground Beef
• 1 Egg
• 1 Small Onion Half of Large Onion, Diced
• 1 TSP Salt
• 1/2 Cup Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs
• 2 Celery Stalks Diced (Optional)
• 1/4 cup Milk (or Beef Broth)
• Sauce:
• 1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce can also use Ketchup
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 3 TSP Brown Sugar
• 1 TSP Mustard

Method

 

1. Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, diced onion, diced celery (if using), salt, cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) and the 1/4 cup of milk (or beef broth). Mix until combined.
3. Place the mixture onto a cookie sheet and form it into a loaf shape.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the sauce by mixing together the 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup), 1/2 cup water, 3 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard.
6. Remove from the oven, cover the top of the loaf evenly with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.