Old Fashioned Meat Loaf a K a Basic Meat Loaf Paula

Sink your fork into the comforting flavors of Old Fashioned Meat Loaf, also known as Basic Meat Loaf Paula—a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Made with hearty ground beef, finely chopped onion, and green bell pepper, this meatloaf is elevated with a medley of pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs for the perfect balance of savory seasonings. Its crowning glory is a tangy, caramelized glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, creating a mouthwatering topping that seals in the juiciness. Perfectly baked in just over an hour, this tender, easy-to-make dinner is ideal for weekdays or Sunday suppers. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or crisp green beans for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like home. Whether you’re seeking a timeless comfort food recipe or a fuss-free way to feed your family, this meatloaf promises satisfaction in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 0.5 medium, finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.75 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup ketchup (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3

Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense meat loaf.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to shape it evenly.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the topping over the meat loaf, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.

Step 6

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 8

Slice and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1840.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3100.7

Total Fat 180.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 990.6mg	0%
Sodium 8284.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 205.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 100.9g
Protein 191.3g	0%

Vitamin D 162.5IU	0%
Calcium 536.3mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 3712.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 25.6%