Classic Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes
📖 Introduction
Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food. Juicy ground beef blended with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and spices, shaped into a loaf, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze — it’s a dish that feels like home. Paired with golden roasted potatoes, it makes for a complete, balanced meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. From weeknight dinners to Sunday gatherings, Classic Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes never goes out of style.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Roasted Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or thyme), chopped
👩🍳 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place on a greased baking sheet or loaf pan.
Step 2: Glaze the Meatloaf
- In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Spread evenly over the top of the loaf.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
- On a separate baking sheet, toss potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Spread in a single layer.
Step 4: Bake
- Place meatloaf in oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Roast potatoes at the same time (they’ll take 35–40 minutes), turning halfway for even crisping.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices with roasted potatoes on the side.
🏛️ History
Meatloaf has European roots, with early versions appearing in Germany and Scandinavia, often made with minced meats, grains, and spices. It gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression, when stretching ground meat with bread and seasonings became an economical way to feed families. Over time, it evolved into the classic glazed version we know today, often paired with potatoes for a complete meal.
🌿 Benefits
- Protein-rich: Beef provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
- Customizable: Works with turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitutes.
- Balanced meal: Potatoes add fiber and complex carbs.
- Comforting & Affordable: Uses pantry staples and stretches ingredients.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
🏗️ Formation (Structure of the Dish)
- Base: Ground beef mixture shaped into a loaf.
- Flavor Enhancers: Onion, garlic, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Glaze: Tangy-sweet topping that caramelizes during baking.
- Side Dish: Crisp roasted potatoes for texture and balance.
❤️ Lovers of This Dish
- Family cooks: Perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Busy parents: Great make-ahead meal.
- Comfort food fans: Nostalgic and satisfying.
- Holiday hosts: Alternative to roasts or turkey.
- Budget-friendly households: Stretch ground meat with simple ingredients.
📝 Conclusion
Classic Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes is proof that the simplest meals can be the most satisfying. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly glazed meatloaf paired with golden roasted potatoes delivers both comfort and nourishment in one plate. It’s a dish that never disappoints.
❤️ Final Conclusion for Lovers
For lovers of homestyle cooking, this meal is a warm embrace from the kitchen. It carries with it tradition, affordability, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, weeknight comfort, or holiday nostalgia, meatloaf with roasted potatoes is a true classic that earns its place at the family table time and time again.