The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional dishes full of love and flavor. Even though Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf is not a traditional Greek recipe, it found its way into my kitchen many years ago, and now it feels just as comforting as the meals I grew up with. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
The first time I made Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf, my kitchen was loud and messy. My children were arguing, the oven was already warm, and I needed something hearty, simple, and forgiving. That meatloaf saved the day. Since then, Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf became one of those recipes I return to when I want calm, comfort, and full bellies around my table. I make Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf when life feels busy and I need something reliable, something that smells like love while it bakes.
I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is. Whether you’re new to cooking or already comfortable in the kitchen, Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf welcomes you exactly as you are. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf because it never judges me. If my onions are chopped unevenly, it forgives me. If I add a little more sauce than planned, it still turns out juicy and delicious. This recipe feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
I also love how Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf feeds everyone without stress. It stretches simple ingredients into a full meal, and it always leaves leftovers that taste even better the next day. I see smiles when I serve it, and that makes everything worth it.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
When I make Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf, I choose ingredients that are honest and familiar. No complicated steps, no fancy tricks just good food.
My little secrets:
- I always use milk to soften the breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatloaf tender.
- I mix gently with my hands. Overmixing makes meatloaf dense.
- I rest the meatloaf after baking so it slices cleanly.
Simple choices make a big difference here.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I start by preheating my oven and lining my pan. I soften breadcrumbs in milk, then add eggs, onion, garlic, and seasonings. I gently fold in the ground beef until everything comes together.
I shape the loaf with care, not pressing too hard. I spread the sauce on top and slide it into the oven. While it bakes, my kitchen fills with the smell of comfort. I let it rest before slicing because patience is love.
How I Serve It at Home
At home, I serve Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Sometimes I add warm bread on the side. Leftovers become sandwiches the next day, and those might be my favorite part.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave with a little sauce on top. I often prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and bake it fresh when needed.
100-Word Short Version
Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf is my go-to comfort meal when I need something easy, filling, and full of love. I mix simple ingredients, shape the loaf gently, and let the oven do the work. The result is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or leftovers the next day. This recipe forgives mistakes and welcomes creativity, making it ideal for busy kitchens and tired hearts. Serve it with potatoes, vegetables, or bread, and enjoy a meal that always feels like home.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven
- Mix ingredients gently
- Shape loaf
- Add topping
- Bake and rest
📝 Notes
Do not overmix. Let rest before slicing.
🍽️ Nutrition
Hearty, filling, protein-rich 🍖
Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic ground beef meatloaf is juicy, tender, and full of comforting flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a sweet and savory glaze, it’s the perfect family dinner that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently mix in ground beef until just combined.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place on pan.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top.
- Bake for 55 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Mix gently to avoid a dense texture. You can substitute half the beef with ground turkey. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze slices for later meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Conclusion
Every time I make Classic Ground Beef Meatloaf, I feel grounded again. This dish reminds me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs care. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen the way it does to mine.
