Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf

Nothing says comfort like a thick slice of homestyle Pork and Beef Meatloaf, fresh from the oven, its edges caramelized with a sweet-savory glaze. This classic dish blends the richness of ground pork and beef with aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of comforting flavor. It’s a meal that feels like home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch. What makes this meatloaf stand out is its simplicity paired with its deep, savory notes, enhanced by the glossy ketchup glaze that adds both moisture and a beautiful finish. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal that satisfies both hunger and the craving for homestyle warmth. It’s a dish that effortlessly fits into any family table, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy a nourishing, familiar, and truly comforting meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak.

3. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. Press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

6. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.

7. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

8. Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.

9. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Comfort of Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf

Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf is more than just a nostalgic dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, providing a comforting meal that feels like home with every bite. This hearty dish brings together tender ground pork and beef, seasoned with simple yet impactful aromatics and topped with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a Sunday family dinner, this meatloaf delivers satisfaction and simplicity.

Meatloaf has a long-standing tradition in many households due to its versatility, affordability, and ability to feed a family generously while using pantry-friendly ingredients. The combination of pork and beef creates a moist texture while balancing flavors, making each slice tender and juicy.

Why This Meatloaf Stands Out

While many meatloaf recipes can end up dry or bland, this Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf uses a few key elements to ensure each bite is flavorful and moist:

• The Meat Blend: Using both pork and beef creates the ideal fat-to-lean ratio, enhancing juiciness while adding richness.

• Aromatic Base: Onions and garlic add a savory depth that infuses the meat, elevating it beyond a basic loaf.

• Glaze Finish: A mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a caramelized top layer that adds tanginess and a hint of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the savory meat base.

• Breadcrumbs and Milk Soak: This classic meatloaf technique prevents the loaf from drying out, keeping the structure tender yet sliceable.

These elements come together to create a dish that is not only comforting but reliable for home cooks of any level.

The History and Popularity of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has roots in European cuisine, where it was initially developed to stretch meats by mixing them with grains and spices. In the United States, meatloaf became a staple during the Great Depression due to its affordability and the ease of stretching small amounts of meat to feed families.

Over time, meatloaf has evolved from a simple necessity to a beloved comfort food, often appearing in family cookbooks and Sunday dinner menus. It is a dish that brings people together around the table, creating memories while providing warmth and nourishment.

Pairing Your Meatloaf for a Complete Meal

To turn this Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf into a complete meal, consider these pairing ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that complements the savory richness of the meatloaf with buttery, creamy texture.

• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a burst of color and nutrition.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meatloaf.

• Gravy or Extra Glaze: A light gravy can enhance the comfort factor, or you can brush additional glaze just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

These pairings not only round out the meal nutritionally but also visually, making it a beautiful presentation for your family or guests.

Customizing Your Meatloaf

One of the best parts of this dish is how easily it can be customized:

• Add Veggies: Grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be mixed into the meat for added nutrients.

• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.

• Cheese Addition: Incorporating shredded cheese into the meat mixture or topping the loaf during the last minutes of baking adds a creamy, savory twist.

• Spice It Up: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can introduce a gentle heat and smokiness.

These customizations allow you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and seasonal ingredients while keeping the essence of comfort intact.

The Practicality of Meatloaf

Beyond taste and comfort, this Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf is an excellent meal prep option:

• Meal Prep Friendly: It can be made ahead and refrigerated, allowing flavors to deepen before baking.

• Freezer Friendly: Meatloaf freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Simply slice, wrap, and store for future quick dinners.

• Versatile Leftovers: Leftover meatloaf can be used in sandwiches, crumbled into pasta sauces, or even added to breakfast hash for a hearty morning meal.

These features make meatloaf a budget-friendly, practical recipe that supports busy families without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

The Emotional Connection to Meatloaf

Food is often tied to memories, and meatloaf is no exception. Many people recall it as a dish their parents or grandparents prepared, filling the house with comforting aromas as it baked. It is a recipe that represents warmth, love, and the comfort of home, regardless of where you are.

Sharing meatloaf with your family or friends creates a sense of togetherness and tradition. The act of slicing into a freshly baked loaf, sharing stories, and enjoying a warm meal together is a simple yet meaningful ritual that connects generations.

Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Blog

Adding this Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf to your recipe blog provides your readers with:

• A dependable, family-friendly recipe that is budget-conscious.

• A highly searchable dish that is popular with home cooks.

• A recipe that encourages user engagement as readers share their personal customizations and family memories.

• A dish that photographs beautifully, especially when paired with comforting sides, increasing visual appeal for your audience.

By including this meatloaf, you cater to readers seeking practical meals while also tapping into the emotional and nostalgic aspects of home cooking that many audiences appreciate.

Conclusion:

Classic Pork and Beef Meatloaf remains a timeless, comforting dish for a reason. Its simplicity, versatility, and heartwarming nature make it a recipe worth sharing and revisiting time and again. With its juicy, flavorful interior and caramelized glaze, it is a meal that can transform an ordinary day into a comforting, satisfying experience.

As you share this recipe on your blog, you are offering your readers more than just a meal; you are providing them with the opportunity to create memories around the dinner table, embrace comfort food, and enjoy the warmth of a classic dish that never goes out of style.