grandma’s meatloaf
There are probably a thousand meatloaf recipes on this site. This was the one that my grandmother used to make. It’s not the typical brick-of-meat variety; it almost falls apart on the plate. I make this every once-and awhile, and think of granny. Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest.
prep time
20 Min
cook time
1 Hr
method
Bake
yield
6 serving(s)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds freshly ground sirloin
- 1/2 cup ketchup, homemade, if possible
- 4 tablespoons ketchup, homemade, if possible
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut in half, pole to pole
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
How To Make grandma’s meatloaf
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Step 1Chef's Note: Homemade Ketchup When I talk about using ketchup in this recipe, I would really hope you choose a homemade variety. Otherwise you are making a condiment out of a condiment. Besides, store-bought ketchup has things in it, other than ketchup. Go homemade… if you can. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/versatile-homemade-ketchup.html?r=1
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Step 2Shred one of the onion halves using the large holes of a box grater.
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Step 3Using a few paper towels, press against the grated onion, to absorb most of the onion juice, and reserve the onions.
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Step 4Thinly slice the other onion half, and reserve.
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Step 5Mix the 1/2-cup ketchup. 1/4-cup brown sugar, and the Worcestershire, in a small bowl, and reserve.
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Step 6In a large bowl, combine the ground sirloin, breadcrumbs, mustard, sweet relish, whole milk, shredded onion, egg and 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
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Step 7Chef’s Note: The best tools of the chef are his/her hands… mix with your hands, but don’t over do it.
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Step 8Chef's Tip: Why Panko Breadcrumbs? Traditional breadcrumbs, unless you're making a panade, will absorb too much of the liquid and make for a much dryer meatloaf. Panko breadcrumbs will not absorb much liquid, and therefore create a juicer meatloaf with a distinct mouthfeel.
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Step 9Place the meatloaf mixture into a loaf-size pan.
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Step 10Chef’s Tip: My favorite pan for this type of baking is the type that has the insert that raises the meatloaf off the bottom of the pan. This keeps the meatloaf from cooking in its own grease.
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Step 11In a skillet, add the 1-tablespoon of oil, and heat over medium high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the sliced onions, and the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
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Step 12Cook onions until softened, and just beginning to brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.
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Step 13Place rack in bottom third of oven, and preheat to 355f (180c).
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Step 14Spread the ketchup/brown sugar/ Worcestershire mix evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Step 15Add the cooked onions to the top, and cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.
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Step 16Bake for 35 minutes, in the preheated oven, and then remove the foil.
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Step 17Increase the temperature to 375f (190c), and bake an additional 25 minutes.
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Step 18Chef's Note: The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be 155f (68c). Once removed from the oven, and allowed to rest, the internal temperature will raise to 160f (71c), which is safe for beef products. If you allow the temperature to rise much above this recommendation, it will begin to dry out the meatloaf.
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Step 19Serving Tip: To make this dish even homier, I like to serve it with some rustic smashed potatoes, and maybe some green beans… enjoy.
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Step 20Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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