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Delicious school cafeteria meatloaf served with side dishes in a cafeteria tray.

School Cafeteria Meatloaf

A warm and filling meatloaf that captures the nostalgia of cafeteria lunches with a lightly sweet tangy glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for moisture)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, mixed into the meat) for a hint of sweetness
Cafeteria Style Glaze
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 splash vinegar (optional) for more tanginess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a sheet pan with foil for a free form loaf.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Mix gently with clean hands or a fork until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan or on the sheet pan.
Glazing and Baking
  1. In a small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients. Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  2. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (70°C).
  3. Spread the remaining glaze on the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  4. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Notes

For best results, use enough milk and breadcrumbs for a tender texture, and do not skip the resting time. You can swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or quick oats if needed, and use dairy-free milk as an alternative to regular milk.