Nana’s Classic Meatloaf

plate of meatloaf mashed potatoes and green beans
Author: Heather
Category: Main Dishes
Published Date: 12/28/2020
Comments: 41

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For many people, meatloaf reminds them of the meal that they never wanted their Mom to make for dinner. But for me, it brings back all of the wonderful memories of my childhood, sitting at the kitchen table in my Nana’s house.

Nana’s meatloaf was my favorite. There have been few others that I’ve tried that measured up to hers. And thankfully, it’s one of the recipes I asked her for when I got married.

It’s one of the meals that my kids ask me to make on a regular basis. Although they were never able to sit at her kitchen table, they still call it “Nana’s meatloaf” and I can’t help but think that this would make her incredibly happy.

plate with meatloaf mashed potatoes and green beans

close up of meatloaf on a plate

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it with either ground beef or ground turkey. Nana always made hers with ground turkey and I grew up used to the flavors.

More recently, I’ve started making it with ground beef and I have to say, it’s even more delicious (if that’s possible). I use Butcher Box 100% grass-fed ground beef. We have a monthly subscription and get a month’s worth of meat and seafood delivered every month.

Everything is fresh and the flavor is incredible. They always have a great monthly deal for all new customers. 

For this meatloaf recipe, you’ll need a box of Lipton Recipe Secret’s Onion Soup Mix. I always have a couple in my pantry. They have some great recipes on the back of the box as well!

sliced meatloaf on a plate

plate with meatloaf mashed potatoes and green beans

What I love most about this meatloaf is how simple it is to make. Just put all of the ingredients into one bowl and mix. I use a wooden spoon, but my Nana always used her hands.

I will never forget how she would taste a little before she put it in the oven, to make sure it was seasoned well. It didn’t occur to me until I was an adult that she was eating raw meat.

I still don’t know how she didn’t get sick. The good news is, I’ve measured everything out precisely for you so please don’t taste it until it’s fully cooked. 

This recipe will make 2 meatloaves. I divide the mixture in half and put them each into their own 9×5″ loaf pan. My family rarely has any meatloaf leftover, but if you have a smaller family (or a family that doesn’t go for seconds), you can refrigerate one and have leftovers the following day.

My Nana would usually make hers into sandwiches for lunch the following day.  I used to eat it cold, straight out of the refrigerator. It’s so good!

ingredients to make nana's classic meatloaf

steps to make nana's classic meatloaf

I’ve tried to show the steps in the photos above for you, to make it a bit easier.

Step 1: All ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2: Mix all ingredients together until fully combined.

Step 3: Place the meat mixture inside a loaf pan.

Step 4: Bake for an hour, slice and serve.

Now that you know a little bit about Nana’s classic meatloaf, I’m excited to share our recipe.

Nana’s Classic Meatloaf

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plate of meatloaf mashed potatoes and green beans

Nana’s Classic Meatloaf


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5 from 23 reviews

  • Author: Heather l The Super Mom Life
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Description

This classic meatloaf recipe is packed with flavor and has been a family favorite for over 40 years.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 egg
  • 3 tbsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp minced onions
  • 1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • 2/3 cup ketchup


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° and lightly grease your loaf pan.
  • Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until fully combined.
  • Move your mixture into your loaf plan and press until evenly distributed.
  • Bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven, let sit for 10 minutes, slice and serve.

Notes

We often double this recipe and make two meatloaves. They are great for leftovers!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

 

If you make this classic meatloaf, we’d love to hear your thoughts. If you post it on social media, we’d love for you to tag @thesupermomlife! Don’t forget to check out all of our family-friendly recipes

* This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on any of them and make a purchase, our family may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. As always, we appreciate your support! 

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This classic meatloaf recipe is so easy to make. Check out my step-by-step recipe, straight out of my Nana's cookbook.
This meatloaf recipe is straight out of my Nana's cookbook. It's quite possibly the most flavorful meatloaf you've ever tasted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hello There!

I'm so honored that you've found us! I'm Heather, a Mom of 3 who blogs about parenting, food, occasional travel and how I overcame my daily struggle with anxiety. I miss sleeping and rely on coffee and laughter to get me through the day. I hope you enjoy and visit often!

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  • Thank you! I have been wanting a delicious meat loaf recipe. This one looks scrumptious. I know my kids will gobble it up.






  • Your meatloaf came out so well. I know this will become a favorite of anyone who likes to treat their family well.






  • I can see from your site, Nana passed down some wonderful recipes! I really appreciate when foood writers include step by step pictures for their recipes. Thanks for doing that here!

  • When I brought my new baby home, our neighbor made us a meatloaf like this, with the Lipton mix and ketchup. We added it to our recipe list!

  • Classics like this are the best! I love that this makes enough for 2 loaves too- great to make dinner easier another night, or to share with another family!