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    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Main Meals » Diner Style Meatloaf Recipe – An American Classic

    Diner Style Meatloaf Recipe – An American Classic

    Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Nov 15, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley · 53 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    5 from 42 votes
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    When it comes to Classic American Dishes, Diner Style Meatloaf is at the top of my list. And you can always depend on Diners to serve up a delicious Meatloaf guaranteed to fill your stomach and warm your heart.

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

    Prior to the madness of 2020, I loved dining at trendy boutique restaurants, and it made me happy to see Meatloaf as one of the resurrected dishes brought back to popularity on their menus.

    It truly is a classic dish and can easily be prepared ahead of time, so you can put it in the oven after a busy day at work or home.

    What Ingredients do I need to make Diner Style Meatloaf?

    Ingredients to make meatloaf on a cutting board

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Diner Style Meatloaf. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?

    No, you don’t. If you’re like my wife and can’t tolerate fresh onions or garlic, you can leave out the fresh chopped version and add granulated onion and garlic instead. 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 Diner Style Meatloaf?

    ingredients to make meatloaf in a large glass bowl

    In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

    ingredients for meatloaf all mixed together in a glass bowl

    After mixing the ingredients together allow the meat to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight).

    *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 and place it on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.

    How do I make the glaze for the meatloaf?

    ingredients for meatloaf glaze in glass bowls

    The list of ingredients for the glaze is pretty small and can be adjusted using your favorite seasonings, type of vinegar and sweetener.

    glaze for meatloaf 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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    This truly is a delicious meatloaf, perfect for a weekday meal. The leftovers also make delicious meatloaf sandwiches!

    More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!

    • Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
    • Diner Style Turkey Croquettes – American Classic
    • Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe : Restaurant Style
    • Authentic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter
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    5 from 42 votes

    Diner Style Meatloaf

    When it comes to meatloaf nobody does it better than diners. Growing up in New Jersey one of my favorite menu items at the diners we visited was meatloaf. Flavorful and easy to make at home this American Classic is still bringing smiles to dinner tables around the country.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 423kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    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 granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    US Customary – Metric
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    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, 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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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy

      November 15, 2021 at 7:48 pm

      Looks so yummy. I am going to halve the recipe (only feeding two). Will the cooking time be the same?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 15, 2021 at 7:58 pm

        you can probably reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes. If you have an instant read thermometer, just make sure the internal temp is at least 165 degrees

        Reply
      • Kathy

        November 16, 2021 at 9:16 pm

        Thank you for your reply. I made the half version tonight. I formed it more thick than elongated, checked the eternal temp and ended up using the exact time as your recipe. It turned out perfect and very delish! I will definitely make it again.

        Reply
    2. Darren

      November 13, 2021 at 4:09 am

      What size do you shape this into?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 13, 2021 at 8:14 am

        shape it into an oval about 3 inches high

        Reply
    3. Jamie

      February 22, 2021 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      This is something my family loves for dinner! The sauce on top is flavorful and perfectly complements the meatloaf. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Susan

        August 30, 2021 at 8:14 pm

        5 stars
        I haven’t made/ had meatloaf since I can’t even remember. I had a hankering and made this. Beyond so very yummay❣😋 How would you reheat this properly?

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          August 30, 2021 at 8:29 pm

          I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the meatloaf. You can reheat slices by steaming them in a saute pan, or heat them on a sheet pan in the oven, covered with foil (add a little water to the pan).

    4. Amanda Dixon

      February 21, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      Talk about the best meatloaf ever! This came out so well. Everyone loved it. The glaze was the perfect finishing touch with so much flavor, and the meatloaf was wonderfully tender.

      Reply
    5. Tristin

      February 21, 2021 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This meatloaf is such a classic, must-have recipe. Love that you can make this recipe ahead of time to just pop it in the oven for dinner.

      Reply
    6. Jenny

      February 21, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      My absolute favorite comfort food is meatloaf. Your recipe is a keeper, came out fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing it!

      Reply
    7. amycaseycooks

      February 20, 2021 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at meatloaf sauce! What a fabulous addition to the perfect meatloaf. I’m a huge diner fan and can’t wait to give this one a try. Thanks Dennis!

      Reply
    8. Helen

      February 20, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve not eaten meatloaf in a very long time, but now I’ve got a strong craving. Yours looks really juicy and flavourful. It also seems like quite an easy dish to make and something I could turn around on a weeknight. I think I’ll try it one day next week.

      Reply
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