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Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Aug 12, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

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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.

two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter.


 

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
  • Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?
  • How Do I Make the Best Meatloaf?
  • Ingredients to make the glaze?
  • More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!
  • Recipe: Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe on a cutting board.

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?

ingredients in a large glass bowl

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

ingredients all mixed together in a glass bowl

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.

meatloaf mixture shaped into a loaf sitting on a parchment lined baking dish

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?

ingredients to make glaze in glass bowls

Making the glaze only requires a few simple ingredients and can easily be adjusted using your favorite seasonings, type of vinegar, and sweetener.

glaze in a glass bowl with spoon in it

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
baked meatloaf topped with glaze on a baking sheet

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.

finished meatloaf garnished with chopped parsley on a baking sheet

Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5 minutes before slicing, and serve it with your favorite sides.

two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter

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!

  • overhead view of sliced meatloaf on a white platter
    Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
  • turkey croquettes on a bed of mashed potatoes on a white plate
    Diner Style Turkey Croquettes – American Classic
  • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
    Chicken Parmesan Recipe
  • white bowl of spaghetti with two meatballs topped with grated romano cheese, with a sprig of Italian parsley in the bottom left corner
    Authentic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter

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.
5 from 319 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 423 kcal

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

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: 423kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 24gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 916mgPotassium: 537mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 374IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 319 votes (191 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Harry says

    May 12, 2025 at 9:48 pm

    5 stars
    I made this.
    it is excellent. The only real change was I cooked in a loaf pan. Why? My mother cooked meatloaf in a loaf pan, as did her mother.
    the recipe is well organized and easy to use.
    thanks Chef. It’s a win!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 13, 2025 at 2:53 pm

      I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the meatloaf, and there is a lot side for tradition. It always seems to make food taste better, when you know your mom and grandmom made it that way.

      Reply
  2. Chris mcwhorter says

    May 11, 2025 at 4:39 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious every time.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 11, 2025 at 5:09 pm

      That’s what I like to hear!

      Reply
  3. Sherrie Fults says

    May 10, 2025 at 1:36 pm

    I really want to make this but so many ads cover the content I can’t.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 10, 2025 at 1:47 pm

      Try using the jump to recipe button. Sorry if the ads bother you, its how I pay for all the costs involved in running my business as well as how I support my family.

      Reply
  4. Jim says

    May 05, 2025 at 10:54 pm

    Why is there an item in the photo for the prepped glaze ingredients, however, not mentioned in the recipe? It appears to be more worcestershire sauce.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 06, 2025 at 6:58 am

      Sorry, it was added to the image by mistake. Always go by the written recipe.

      Reply
      • Ashley Stock says

        May 17, 2025 at 6:38 pm

        5 stars
        This was awesome! I had to keep pulling myself away from it so I didn’t eat more. I have about 7 recipes for meatloaf as it’s my husband’s favorite, but this was great! Thank you! I think I have to hide this in the fridge so I have to forget about it. lol!

      • Chef Dennis Littley says

        May 17, 2025 at 8:21 pm

        Thank you for letting me know you really enjoyed my meatloaf!! I’m right there with you, it’s just hard to stop eating, but you need to save some for meatloaf sandwiches.

  5. giovanni manocchio says

    May 03, 2025 at 7:22 pm

    5 stars
    Best meatloaf I ever made

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 04, 2025 at 6:29 am

      That’s what I like to hear!

      Reply
  6. Anissa says

    May 03, 2025 at 6:20 pm

    Making this tonight with funeral potatoes (made with dehydrated hash browns) ((reconstituted))and oven roasted asparagus 😋

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 04, 2025 at 6:30 am

      Sounds like a delicious dinner!

      Reply
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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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