Grandma’s Secret Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty meatloaf combines comfort and culinary creativity in one delicious dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic meal through simple techniques and love.

Tender ground beef mixed with carefully selected herbs brings warmth to any dinner table.

Rich seasonings and a personal touch make this recipe special beyond standard expectations.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen with memories of traditional home cooking.

Some ingredients might surprise you with their unexpected flavor combinations.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right away.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Delia Smith Meatloaf

• Boost Family Dinner Delight: This meatloaf transforms ordinary weeknight meals into a crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings everyone together around the table.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Beginners can nail this recipe with basic mixing and shaping techniques, building confidence in the kitchen without complicated steps.
• Quick Meal Solution: With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this meatloaf offers a hassle-free dinner option that saves time and satisfies hunger.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easy to adapt with different herbs, spices, or meat blends, making it perfect for personalizing to your family's taste preferences.

What’s In Delia Smith Meatloaf Recipe

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides the main structure and flavor of the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a light texture and helps hold the meatloaf together.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce: Combine to create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a softer texture in the meatloaf.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh herb note to the meat mixture.

Cooking Delia Smith Meatloaf Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Fire up your oven to 375°F and create a smooth lining in your loaf pan using parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients Gently

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Onions
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Use a light touch when mixing to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. Overmixing can make the meat tough and dense.

Step 3: Shape and Initial Baking

Mold the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the meat starts to cook through.

Step 4: Create and Apply Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Vinegar

Spread this tangy mixture generously over the partially cooked meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delectable. Slice and serve to hungry guests.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Meatloaf

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender and moist.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for enhanced umami and rich taste.
• Measure Meat Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise meat weight to ensure consistent texture and cooking.
• Drain Extra Moisture: Pat ground meat dry before mixing to prevent soggy meatloaf and improve browning.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm meatloaf reaches 160F for safe consumption.

Fresh Variations of Delia Smith Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Turkey Meatloaf Lite: Swap beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content and create a lighter meal option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and add extra herbs for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor profile.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complements the rich, hearty flavors of meatloaf, cutting through its meaty texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Elevate with Tangy Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the meatloaf's richness, adding brightness and acidity that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Match with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes provide the ultimate comfort food companion, soaking up the meatloaf's savory glaze and creating a classic, satisfying meal combination.

How to Keep Delia Smith Meatloaf for Later

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, add splash of broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Questions About Delia Smith Meatloaf Answered

• What meat works best for this meatloaf?

Ground beef with 80/20 fat content provides the most flavor and moisture, keeping the meatloaf juicy and tender.

• Can I use breadcrumbs as a binder?

Yes, breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and bind the meat mixture together, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry or crumbly.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through without overcooking.

• Is it important to let the meatloaf rest after baking?

Absolutely. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more flavorful and easier to slice without falling apart.

Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Grandma’s Meatloaf brings comfort straight from family kitchens, promising hearty warmth with each savory slice. Packed with rich ground beef, herbs, and a tangy glaze, this dish connects generations through simple, satisfying home cooking you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh Ingredients and Liquids:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, herbs, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, carefully shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle pressure to prevent compacting.
4. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes until the internal temperature approaches 155°F.
5. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard to create a glossy, tangy glaze.
6. Remove meatloaf from oven, generously brush the surface with prepared glaze, and return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.
7. Once fully cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, cohesive slice.
8. Cut into thick, hearty portions and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and moisture without changing the core flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the meatloaf suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Consider preparing the meatloaf mixture the night before and refrigerating to allow flavors to meld and make weeknight cooking faster and easier.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 479 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 489 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 148 mg