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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. This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    5 from 185 votes
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    Pinterest Image for Diner Style Meatloaf

    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!

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      Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
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    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
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    5 from 185 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Nancy

      November 07, 2023 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      I had little expectations making this because many recipes end up being too dry or just MEH… But this was amazing ! My only problem was the glaze did not bake/glaze enough but that was little concern as it just added to the flavor. Truly a great surprise and will be making this again next week. Thanks

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 07, 2023 at 3:15 pm

        I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe!

        Reply
    2. Maureen Cole

      November 06, 2023 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made the meatloaf came out great Everyone enjoy

      Reply
    3. Sara

      November 01, 2023 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      After living in Australia for the last 23 years, I had the urge to make a good old-fashioned meatloaf, something I have not had for the last few decades. I was determined to find a meatloaf recipe that represented the ones I had as a kid growing up in California. Meatloaf Day at school was one of my favourites!! I came across this recipe and knew it was the one!! I made this last night and I couldn’t believe how nostalgic it made me feel!! From the topping sauce to the flavour of the meat itself, this was everything I had remembered as a child. Thank You! I have saved this recipe and look forward to making it again! Now, I’m off to make a meatloaf sandwich 🙂

      Reply
    4. Karin

      October 16, 2023 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      This was AMAZING! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Carol

      October 12, 2023 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!! Thank you, Chef Dennis.

      Reply
    6. Tonya

      October 09, 2023 at 4:51 pm

      This may sound stupid but what exactly is granulated garlic and onion are they garlic powder and onion powder or what?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        October 09, 2023 at 5:27 pm

        Not at all a stupid question. Years ago garlic powder was actually a pwder and I never like using them because they would clump. Granulated is basically what they call powder these days.
        Thanks for pointing that out, I will change them to powders.

        Reply
      • Bianca

        November 10, 2023 at 7:40 pm

        5 stars
        Delicious!! I normally make my own but tonight I wanted to follow a recipe! My family loved it! Definitely will keep this recipe to make again!

        Reply
    7. Tom S.

      September 28, 2023 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent meatloaf. Thank you, Chef. Very tasty meat and glaze. This is my go to recipe for meatloaf.

      Reply
    8. Andrea Maddox

      September 17, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I don’t normally like meatloaf, but this was really good. The whole family liked it too. Had no leftovers and hubby was disappointed because he wanted too take some for his lunch tomorrow. Guess I’ll have to make another one soon. Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    9. Linda Rowe

      August 13, 2023 at 7:16 pm

      Do you mix sauce in meat?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 14, 2023 at 7:41 am

        Just follow the recipe. There are ingredients that go in the meat but they are not the glaze, that goes on top. It’s all in the instructions

        Reply
    10. Sue B

      August 11, 2023 at 7:29 pm

      Making tomorrow. Can’t wait

      Reply
    11. Lisa

      July 24, 2023 at 6:34 pm

      Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        July 24, 2023 at 8:21 pm

        absolutley, just make sure to wrap it well.

        Reply
    12. Brenda Stein

      July 07, 2023 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you your recipes are wonderful

      Reply
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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. 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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