Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe with Ground Beef and Sausage

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

This isn’t one of those dry, flavorless loaves that gets passed over at dinner. This old fashioned meatloaf is juicy, cheesy, and full of bold, savory flavor. The addition of ground sausage adds depth, while shredded Colby Jack cheese melts throughout for a delicious twist on tradition.

What really makes it shine, though, is the homemade glaze, a simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and brings just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory meat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this classic meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup club crackers, oats, or breadcrumbs (use what you have!)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• 1/3 of the prepared glaze mixture (for added moisture and flavor) or 1/2 cup milk if preferred instead.

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

This sauce couldn’t be easier and adds so much flavor. You’ll mix part of it into the meat mixture and reserve the rest for spreading over the top. But it’s adaptable; my husband doesn’t care for the ketchup taste, so I substitute 1/2 cup of milk instead. Both ways are delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll also want to grease a loaf pan or baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. This is your sweet and tangy glaze. Set aside 2/3 of it for the top of the meatloaf, and you’ll mix the remaining 1/3 directly into the meat mixture.

3. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground sausage and ground beef
• Crushed club crackers (or oats or breadcrumbs)
• Chopped onion
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheese
• 1/3 of the glaze mixture

Mix everything together gently with your hands or a large spoon until just combined. Don’t overwork it, or the meatloaf may become dense.

4. Shape and Bake

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or dish. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

5. Add the Glaze and Finish Baking

After 1 hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes until the glaze is bubbly and lightly caramelized.

6. Let It Rest

Let the meatloaf rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside and makes for neater slices.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Meatloaf

This meatloaf is practically begging for the classic side dishes:

• Mashed potatoes — creamy and buttery, the perfect pairing.
• Green beans or corn on the cob
• Homemade dinner rolls or crusty bread
• Macaroni and cheese for a comforting, family-style feast

Storing & Reheating

This meatloaf stores beautifully. Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months, perfect for future quick dinners.

To reheat, place a slice in a skillet with a splash of water and cover with a lid to steam it gently. Or pop it in the microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Don’t want sauce in the meat mixture? No problem! Replace the 1/3 cup of sauce with 1/2 cup of milk for added moisture without the sweetness.
• Use whatever cheese you like. Colby Jack melts beautifully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work well.
• Mix gently! Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Want to make it ahead? You can prep the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerate it uncooked. Just bake as directed the next day.

🥘 More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this old fashioned meatloaf recipe, here are a few more cozy, homemade dishes to try next:

• 👉 Lemon Chicken Pasta the Whole Family Will Love
• 👉 Southwest Chicken Salad (Bold, Fresh, and Easy!)
• 👉 Easy One Skillet Creamy Smothered Chicken Recipe
• 👉 Vintage Blueberry Tea Cake
• 👉 Cozy Venison Casserole Recipe the Whole Family Will Love

FAQ: Old Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

A mix of meats (like beef and sausage), eggs, and a binding ingredient (like crackers or oats) help keep meatloaf moist. Adding a bit of the sauce mixture or milk into the loaf also ensures juicy, tender slices.

Can I make this meatloaf without cheese?

Yes! If you prefer a more traditional meatloaf, feel free to leave out the cheese. It will still be flavorful thanks to the sausage and glaze.

Can I use all beef instead of sausage?

Absolutely. If you prefer not to use sausage, just replace it with an equal amount of ground beef. The flavor will be a bit milder, but still delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use a larger baking dish or divide it into two loaves. Adjust the baking time, it may take 10–15 minutes longer for a larger loaf.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about an old fashioned meatloaf recipe like this one. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like home. Whether you grew up eating meatloaf every week or this is your first time making it, this version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a photo and tag me on social media. Don’t forget to serve it with mashed potatoes and enjoy those nostalgic flavors, just like Grandma used to make.

📌 Save this recipe for later, or print it out and keep it in your recipe binder!