Classic Dad’s Meatloaf with Tomato Relish

Few meals are as timeless and satisfying as a well-made meatloaf. This version Dad’s Meatloaf with Tomato Relish is a flavorful upgrade from the traditional ketchup-topped classic. It features a mix of beef and pork for richness, soaked bread for tenderness, and a bright, savory tomato relish that ties it all together. Plus, bacon. Enough said.

Here’s how to bring this nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish to life at home.

What Sets This Meatloaf Apart

The secret is in the homemade tomato relish, which adds a depth of flavor far beyond bottled sauces. Simmered with red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and just the right balance of tang from ketchup and Worcestershire, it doubles as both a mix-in and topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tomato Relish:

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and finely diced

• 2 tomatoes, halved, seeded, and finely diced

• ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 1 (12 oz) bottle ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Meatloaf:

• 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, torn into chunks

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 1½ lbs ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 2 eggs

• Leaves from 2 thyme sprigs

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 3 to 4 bacon slices

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Make the tomato relish:
   In a skillet, heat a swirl of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves; sauté until fragrant. Stir in red bell peppers and cook until softened. Add tomatoes, then parsley, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside you should have about 4 cups of relish.

3. Soak the bread:
   Place the torn white bread in a bowl and add just enough milk to cover. Let it soak while you prep the rest of the meatloaf.

4. Mix the meatloaf:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, 1½ cups of the tomato relish, eggs, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Squeeze excess milk from the bread and add it to the mixture. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated.

5. Test for seasoning:
   Fry a small patty of the mixture and taste adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Shape and bake:
   Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Form the meat mixture into a 9x4-inch log. Spread ½ cup of the relish over the top, then lay bacon slices lengthwise over the surface.

7. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, rotating occasionally so the bacon browns evenly. The meatloaf is done when firm and the bacon is crisp. Let it rest before slicing.

8. Serve with remaining tomato relish on the side.

Tips for Success

• Use lean ground beef (around 85/15) to avoid excess grease, but don’t go too lean or your meatloaf may be dry.

• Don’t skip the bread soak. It’s essential for a tender, moist interior.

• Try low-sodium ketchup to reduce salt if desired especially if you're watching your intake.

• Leftovers? Slice and pan-fry them the next day for an amazing sandwich.

A Comfort Classic That Feels Gourmet

This dish is the perfect example of how thoughtful preparation and a few fresh ingredients can elevate something humble into something extraordinary. The texture is tender, the flavor rich but balanced, and that tomato relish is the real MVP. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this is comfort food worth sharing.

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