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Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Jun 14, 2025 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 uses lean ground beef, seasonings, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and other pantry staples. When you’ve finished baking our Classic Meatloaf, my easy-to-make zesty glaze elevates it to a new level of deliciousness.

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 at home.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional meatloaf recipe, try our Spicy Meatloaf and Lipton French Onion Meatloaf recipes.

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

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe.

Gather the ingredients to prepare the Best Meatloaf recipe you’ve ever made. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

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. I do this 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 to Make the Best Meatloaf

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the Best Meatloaf you’ve ever had in your home kitchen.

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 set up the meatloaf mixture. Make sure to cover the meatloaf mixture with plastic wrap.

*If you’re pressed for time, it can be used immediately.

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°F oven for 45 minutes.

Ingredients to make the glaze

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.

glaze in a glass bowl with spoon in it

While the meatloaf is baking, mix the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl, ensuring 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.

finished meatloaf garnished with chopped parsley on a baking sheet

Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5-10 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.

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?

You can use beef broth, tomato juice, non-dairy milk substitutes, or water.

Can I use other ground meat to make the meatloaf?

Absolutely. You can use a regular meatloaf mix of beef, pork, and veal, or any combination of those ground meats. You can also replace some of the ground beef with ground sausage meat.
The meatloaf can also be made with ground turkey or ground chicken.

Do I have to use ketchup for the glaze?

No, you don’t. If you prefer, you can eliminate the glaze and serve the meatloaf with brown gravy. You can also use barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze.

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

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Chef Dennis Littley
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 329 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.

Notes

What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?
You can use beef broth, tomato juice, non-dairy milk substitutes, or water.
Can I use other ground meat to make the meatloaf?
Absolutely. You can use a regular meatloaf mix of beef, pork, and veal, or any combination of those ground meats. You can also replace some of the ground beef with ground sausage meat.
The meatloaf can also be made with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Do I have to use ketchup for the glaze?
No, you don’t. If you prefer, you can eliminate the glaze and serve the meatloaf with brown gravy. You can also use barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze.

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 329 votes (191 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Teresa says

    June 29, 2025 at 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    This is the best meatloaf I’ve ever made! Will be my go to! I didn’t have any basil so I subbed Italian seasoning

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      June 29, 2025 at 5:07 pm

      Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the meatloaf!

      Reply
  2. Pam Craven says

    June 27, 2025 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    Is the nutritional information per slice or per serving or is it the entire meatloaf?

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      June 27, 2025 at 8:01 pm

      Per serving and its only an estimate.

      Reply
      • Pam Craven says

        June 28, 2025 at 12:11 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks, hubby and I both loved it!

      • Chef Dennis Littley says

        June 28, 2025 at 3:32 pm

        You’re welcome and I’m happy to hear you both enjoyed the meatloaf!

  3. Nicole Denton says

    June 24, 2025 at 6:54 pm

    5 stars
    It was delicious! It’s my now go to for meatloaf! Highly recommend!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      June 25, 2025 at 6:48 am

      Thank you, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the meatloaf!

      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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