5 from 234 votes
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When it comes to All-American dishes, nothing beats a Classic Meatloaf recipe. And I’m sure you’ll agree after one bite that this is the best meatloaf recipe you’ve ever tried!
My traditional meatloaf recipe is made with lean ground beef, seasonings, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and other pantry staples. When this Classic Meatloaf has finished baking, my easy-to-make zesty glaze takes it to a new level of deliciousness. The glaze enhances the flavor and elevates the dish.
This meatloaf is something the whole family will love, and it can be prepared in advance. That way, you can just pop it in the oven after a long day at work or home.
If you’re looking for a non-traditional meatloaf recipe, my Spicy Meatloaf is sure to please.
Table of Contents:
Ingredients
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Classic Meatloaf. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”
Setting up ingredients ahead of time speeds up the cooking process. It also helps make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the dish.
Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?
No, you don’t. If you don’t like fresh onions or garlic, you can substitute them with granulated versions. This is something I do when making meatloaf for my wife. Use one tablespoon of granulated onion and one teaspoon of garlic instead of the fresh. Or leave them out and use your favorite seasonings.
How Do I Make the Best Meatloaf?
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Mix the ingredients until blended. Refrigerate the meat mixture for 30-60 minutes. You may also refrigerate it overnight to let the meatloaf mixture set up. Make sure to cover the meatloaf mixture with plastic wrap.
*If you’re pressed for time, it can be used right away.
Shape the meat into a loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking dish, rimmed baking sheet, or sheet pan. Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.
Ingredients to make the glaze?
Making the glaze only requires a few simple ingredients and can easily be adjusted using your favorite seasonings, type of vinegar, and sweetener.
While the meatloaf is baking, mix the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl, making sure it’s well blended.
I used these ingredients to make my meatloaf glaze
- ketchup
- cider vinegar
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- sea salt
- black pepper
After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Then place the meatloaf back into the oven.
Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for 15 more minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should be 165 degrees F.
This is the instant-read meat thermometer that I use.
Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5 minutes before slicing, and serve it with your favorite sides.
My classic meatloaf comes as close to perfection as possible, and after one bite, I know you’ll agree this is the best meatloaf recipe you’ve ever made.
If you have any leftovers, they make a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day.
More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!
- Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
- Diner Style Turkey Croquettes – American Classic
- Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Authentic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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5 from 234 votes
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
When it comes to making a Classic Meatloaf nobody does it better than Chef Dennis. Flavorful and easy to make at home this American Classic is still bringing smiles to dinner tables around the country.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 423kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 85 – 90 % Lean
- 1 cup onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon basil dried or fresh
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried or fresh
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped (dry can be substituted)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs plain, panko or seasoned
- ⅓ cup milk
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoon cider vinegar white or wine vinegar can be substituted
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Meatloaf Mix
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
If possible allow the meat to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. (or overnight)
Shape the meat into a loaf and place it on a parchment lined baking dish. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
Meatloaf Glaze
Mix the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl, making sure it's well blended.
After 45 minutes remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Then place the meatloaf back into the oven.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serve it with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 916mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 4mg
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