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Classic 1950s Meatloaf

Emily, the Mid-Century Modern Mommy
This vintage meatloaf recipe captures the essence of old-fashioned cooking—simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a timeless texture. Whether you're recreating a family memory or trying it for the first time, this dish is a surefire hit.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Food
Cuisine Vintage American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • pounds ground beef ground chuck, 20% fat
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ cup instant oatmeal
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup tomato juice
  • 1 onion minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork.
  • Make a well in the center of the meat and put the oatmeal in the well.
  • Beat the eggs slightly.
  • Mix the milk, tomato juice, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the eggs.
  • Pour the liquid into the oatmeal and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Mix the meatloaf mixture together until evenly blended.
  • Pack the mixture firmly into a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Shape the top into a gentle dome for even cooking and a classic appearance.
  • Bake in a 350-degree F oven for 90 minutes (1-1/2 hours).
  • Take the meatloaf out of the oven and turn up the heat to 425 degrees F. Let the meatloaf sit in the pan while the oven preheats again.
  • Unmold the meatloaf onto a shallow pan and brush a thick glaze over it, like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or cheesy mashed potatoes (for igloo meatloaf)
  • Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for 20 more minutes at 425 degrees F.
  • Take the meatloaf out of the oven, and put it on a hot platter. Garnish it with parsley and pickles such as pickled onions, gherkins, pickled mushrooms, or okra pickles.

Notes

  • Make sure that your meatloaf is not pink in the middle!
  • You can use ketchup, BBQ sauce, cheesy mashed potatoes, or a homemade sauce to glaze this meatloaf.
Keyword 1940s, classic, family dinner, grandma, meatloaf, vintage 1950s