Granny Sue’s Meatloaf Recipe
A Taste of Home: Granny Sue's Heirloom Meatloaf Recipe
A hearty and delicious meal that has been passed down through generations in our family, Granny Sue's meatloaf is a dish that brings back memories of laughter, love, and cherished times spent around the dinner table. This comforting and mouthwatering recipe has been prepared and perfected by Granny Sue, her mother, and her grandmother before her. No family gathering or Sunday dinner would be complete without this beloved classic. Served alongside green beans, white gravy, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw, Granny Sue's meatloaf is a true testament to the power of family, tradition, and simple, flavorful cooking.
The Backstory:
Granny Sue's meatloaf has a rich and storied history, passed down through the generations of strong, passionate women in our family. This meatloaf recipe was originally brought over from Europe by our great-great-grandmother and has since been adapted to suit the tastes of each generation. Each time the recipe was passed down, it was lovingly tweaked and perfected, eventually becoming the dish we know and love today.
Granny Sue learned to make this meatloaf from her mother, who learned it from her own mother before her. As a young girl, Granny Sue would watch her mother prepare the dish, carefully noting the different ingredients and techniques she used. Over time, Granny Sue began to prepare the dish herself, further refining the recipe until it became the perfect balance of flavors and textures that we now enjoy. She would often serve this dish with a side of green beans, white gravy, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The Deliciousness of Granny Sue's Meatloaf:
Granny Sue's meatloaf is a symphony of flavors, boasting a tender, juicy interior and a delectable, slightly crispy exterior. The hamburger meat is perfectly seasoned with salt and black pepper, while the addition of diced onions adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. The old bread, torn into tiny pieces, helps bind the meatloaf together and contributes to its irresistible, moist texture.
A standout feature of this meatloaf is the ketchup glaze that is spread over the top before baking. This tangy, slightly sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully as the meatloaf bakes, creating a scrumptious, slightly charred crust that is impossible to resist. The evaporated milk, an unusual but ingenious addition, ensures the meatloaf stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Serving Granny Sue's Meatloaf:
Once the meatloaf has cooked to perfection, allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into generous square servings. This dish truly shines when accompanied by its traditional sides: coleslaw, mashed potatoes, green beans, and white gravy. The coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch, while the creamy mashed potatoes and savory green beans complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf. Drizzle a generous helping of white gravy over the potatoes and meatloaf for an extra touch of decadence.
The Test of Time and Home-Cooked Meals
Granny Sue's meatloaf recipe is a delicious and heartwarming testament to the love and care that goes into preparing a home-cooked meal for family and friends. With its delightful combination of flavors and its rich history, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your own family for generations to come.
So gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy the simple pleasure of Granny Sue's meatloaf, served with all the traditional fixings.
Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and olive oil, providing a flavorful and healthy side dish that complements the richness of the meatloaf.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and butter, offering a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the meatloaf. Try My Recipe Here: Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe.
Creamed Corn: Creamy, buttery corn cooked to perfection, adding a touch of sweetness and a velvety texture to the meal. Try My Recipe Here: Southern Fried Corn (Creamed Corn) Recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy sauce, offering an indulgent alternative to mashed potatoes. Try My Recipe Here: Potato Gratin Recipe.
Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm, and buttery dinner rolls, perfect for sopping up any remaining gravy and meatloaf juices. Try My Recipe Here: Dinner Rolls Recipe.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A classic comfort food dish, featuring tender pasta baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Try My Recipe Here: Southern-Style Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: A simple yet flavorful side dish, with fresh spinach leaves gently Sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice. Try My Recipe Here: Sautéed Spinach with Onions, Garlic, & Bacon Recipe.
Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and slivered almonds, providing a delightful crunch and a pleasant nutty flavor.
Southern-Style Collard Greens: Slow-cooked collard greens with smoky bacon, offering a rich and savory side dish with a touch of Southern charm. Try My Recipe Here: Crockpot Express Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and a hint of balsamic vinegar, offering a deliciously tangy and nutritious side option.
Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, featuring steamed cauliflower pureed with butter, cream, and a touch of garlic for added flavor.
Buttery Parsley Red Potatoes: Tender red potatoes boiled and then tossed with butter and freshly chopped parsley, offering a delicious and colorful side dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory casserole made from mashed sweet potatoes, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel.
Grilled Vegetable Medley: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and eggplant, grilled to perfection and drizzled with a light balsamic glaze.
Caprese Salad: A refreshing side dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, adding a touch of Italian flair to the meal. Try My Recipe Here: Caprese Salad Recipe.
Storing Leftover Granny Sue's Meatloaf:
Proper storage of leftover meatloaf is essential to ensure that it stays fresh, moist, and delicious for future meals.
Follow these detailed steps to store your leftover Granny Sue's meatloaf safely and effectively:
Cool the leftovers: Allow the leftover meatloaf to cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it. This step helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to soggy meatloaf and potential spoilage.
Slice the meatloaf: If you haven't already, cut the remaining meatloaf into individual slices. This makes it easier to store, reheat, and serve the leftovers later.
Wrap individual slices: Wrap each slice of meatloaf separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the slices fresh, moist, and prevents them from sticking together or absorbing any odors from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.
Choose your storage method:
a. Refrigerator: Place the wrapped meatloaf slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, leftover meatloaf can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
b. Freezer: If you plan to store the leftovers for a more extended period, you can opt to freeze them. Place the individually wrapped slices in a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable plastic freezer bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months without a significant loss of quality.
Reheating Leftover Granny Sue's Meatloaf:
To reheat and enjoy your leftover Granny Sue's meatloaf, follow these steps:
Refrigerator leftovers: If the meatloaf is stored in the refrigerator, remove the desired number of slices and unwrap them. Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Frozen leftovers: If the meatloaf is stored in the freezer, you can either thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave to thaw them quickly. Once thawed, follow the same reheating steps as for refrigerator leftovers.
Serving Reheated Granny Sue's Meatloaf:
Once you've successfully reheated your leftover Granny Sue's meatloaf, you can serve it as you would freshly made meatloaf. Consider pairing it with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy, to recreate the complete dining experience.
Make New Recipes With Leftover Meatloaf!
If you're looking for a creative way to use your leftover meatloaf, here are a few suggestions:
Meatloaf Sandwich: Create a delicious sandwich by placing a reheated slice of meatloaf between two slices of your favorite bread. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise for a filling and satisfying meal.
Meatloaf Salad: Dice the reheated meatloaf and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing for a protein-packed, hearty salad.
Meatloaf Tacos: Crumble the reheated meatloaf and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and your favorite taco sauce for a fun and tasty twist on taco night.
Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of reheated meatloaf, cooked rice, and your favorite seasonings. Bake the stuffed peppers in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through, creating a delicious and inventive meal.
Remember to always store and reheat leftovers safely to ensure that you and your family can enjoy the scrumptious taste of Granny Sue's meatloaf without any concerns. Whether you're enjoying the meatloaf fresh from the oven or repurposing the leftovers into creative new dishes, this family recipe is sure to continue to bring warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to your table.
Enjoy My Families Recipe In Your Weekly Rotations For Years To Come!
In conclusion, Granny Sue's meatloaf is a dish that embodies the warmth and love of home-cooked meals shared with family and friends. With its mouthwatering flavor and delightful accompaniments, this meal is sure to bring joy to your table and create lasting memories. I encourage you to give this beloved recipe a try and explore the variety of delicious side dishes that can elevate your dining experience.
Share your culinary adventure with me by posting a photo of your Granny Sue's meatloaf masterpiece on social media, using the hashtag #JustLikeGranny. I can't wait to see your creations and hear about your experiences!
If you enjoyed this recipe and the accompanying side dish suggestions, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and inspiring stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Finally, I’d love to hear about your own family recipes and traditions! Share your cherished recipes and the stories behind them in the comments section below, and let's celebrate the joy of cooking and the connections that are forged in the kitchen.