Introduction
Amish meatloaf is a beloved staple of traditional home cooking—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying dinner that feels like a hug on a plate. This recipe features a moist and tender meat mixture with savory vegetables and seasonings, finished with a rich, tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
Ideal for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights, this meatloaf not only delivers on taste but also offers great flexibility. Whether you want to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish adapts easily to your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or preferred variety)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon just until all the ingredients are fully combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Shape and Place in Pan
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently to fill the pan evenly, shaping the top so it’s smooth and slightly rounded.
Make the Glaze
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Mix until smooth and glossy.
Add the Glaze
Spoon the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If needed, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Rest Before Serving
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Slice and Serve
Carefully lift the meatloaf from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Cook Notes and Tips
- Breadcrumb Options: You can use panko, traditional breadcrumbs, or crushed saltine crackers depending on your preferred texture.
- Milk Substitutions: Whole milk adds richness, but low-fat or plant-based milk will work too.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the meat to maintain tenderness—overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatloaf.
- Customize the Texture: Want a firmer loaf? Add more breadcrumbs. Want it softer? Use a bit less.
- Let It Rest: Resting the meatloaf allows it to firm up and makes for cleaner, easier slices.
Variations
Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf
Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the middle of the meat mixture before shaping. When you cut into it, you’ll reveal a gooey, cheesy center.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Before baking, wrap the shaped loaf in strips of uncooked bacon. The bacon crisps up as the loaf bakes, adding a smoky layer of flavor and crunch.
Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken. Keep an eye on the cook time, as lean meats may cook slightly faster.
Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf
Sneak in extra nutrition by adding grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach. These also help retain moisture.
Spicy Twist
Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture if you enjoy heat.
Mini Meatloaves
Divide the mixture into muffin tins or form smaller loaves on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Great for portion control and meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This Amish meatloaf pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Macaroni and cheese
- A fresh garden salad
- Buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, the uncooked meatloaf can be assembled in the loaf pan, wrapped, and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for prepping in advance.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover slices should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. For best results, reheat covered to prevent drying.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Definitely. Wrap the uncooked or cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
What sides go well with meatloaf?
This classic pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad. Comfort food sides complement the savory, rich flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), your meatloaf is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
Conclusion
Amish meatloaf is the ultimate in simple, wholesome comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family meal or preparing to serve a crowd, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction every time. With its tender interior, flavorful vegetables, and signature glaze, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.
Versatile, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing, this meatloaf can easily become a weekly staple. Play with variations, add your personal twist, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite side dishes.
Give this easy recipe a try—you’ll be surprised at just how delicious and comforting a humble meatloaf can be.