Don’t you love these three little words: “Dinner is ready!” They seem to make everything better. Especially if dinner is good, old-fashioned comfort food like this classic meatloaf. This old family recipe gets it flavor from a combination of both ground beef and pork sausage. Very much like my recipe for Italian Meatball Sandwiches, the meatloaf has the added benefit of beefy onion soup mix and a slathering of ketchup over the top.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret from my grandmother. She soaked her bread crumbs in milk before adding them to her classic meatloaf recipe. When I asked her why, (as I was scarfing down my second helping of meatloaf…) she explained that soaking allows the bread crumbs to swell and retain their moisture as the meatloaf cooks. Another secret she used was the blend of meats. Using all ground beef, can make the loaf a bit dry. The added fat in the pork sausage, as well as soaking those bread crumbs, keeps everything nice and tender. It’s the little things that can make all the difference. Grandma knows best, after all.
When served with some garlic mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, it’s a Mary Poppins Meal, practically perfect in every way.
Do you have a family favorite recipe that always makes you feel good when you eat it? Something warm and comforting, like a hug from a loved one or a snuggly blanket on a cold day? This is my meal. This is my childhood, my kids “Sunday Dinner” favorite, plus it makes AMAZING cold meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
I’m not the only one who does that, right? Cold meatloaf sandwiches from leftovers? That’s half the reason for making meatloaf, so you can make sandwiches the next day! White bread, slathering of mayo and cold meatloaf. Simple and delicious. Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Try my Classic Meatloaf yourself and tell me what you think. Then, share with me how YOU make meatloaf! Meatloaf is one of those things that almost everyone makes and we all do it a little differently. I’d love to hear about yours!
Until next time, friends! Live life deliciously!
