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.
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.
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?
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?
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
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.
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?
The list of ingredients for the glaze is pretty small and can 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.
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.
This truly is a delicious meatloaf, perfect for a weekday meal. The leftovers also make delicious meatloaf sandwiches!
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more for you to try!
- Spicy Meatloaf with Collard Greens
- Old Fashioned Turkey Croquettes
- Restaurant-Style Chicken Parm
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
Diner Style Meatloaf
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
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
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Jamie says
This is something my family loves for dinner! The sauce on top is flavorful and perfectly complements the meatloaf. Delicious!
Amanda Dixon says
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.
Tristin says
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.
Jenny says
My absolute favorite comfort food is meatloaf. Your recipe is a keeper, came out fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing it!
amycaseycooks says
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!
Helen says
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.
Ramona says
I haven’t made a meatloaf in ages and this recipe is tempting me! this looks absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to make this soon. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Amy Nash says
I love classic meatloaf! I like fun flavor twists too, but there is just something about the classic that is so good, especially as leftovers the next day! That glaze on top is delicious!
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh my goodness, this is so delicious! I am really excited to make this for my kids and I am sure they will love this.
Andrea Howe says
Oh I love meatloaf and it reminds me of my childhood so much. I hardly ever make it but this recipe has given me inspiration to add it to the meal plan this week! Thanks for sharing!
Ali Hanson says
I r4eally like your recipe for the glaze, Quarantine sure had brought out my love for comfort food, this is one of them!
Gloria says
When I was a kid I hated meatloaf. I mean when my mom made it I didn’t want to eat dinner. NOW…I LOVE meatloaf….and this looks deilcious.
Jodi says
Thank you Chef for sharing this amazing meatloaf recipe! My family all loved it for dinner this week.
Alexis says
I was on the hunt for a moist and yummy meatloaf, this recipe is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.
Beth says
My family thinks the best meatloaf is one that is tender and moist for the first meal but holds together well enough for sandwiches later. This looks like that kind of meatloaf and I look forward to trying it.
Julie says
This meatloaf recipe is perfect! I love all the flavors and it came together perfectly. What a great classic recipe for the family.
Natalie says
Wow, this meatloaf looks amazing. Meat is so flavorful and tender. I must save this on my weekly menu.
Robin says
I haven’t had a meatloaf this good since the 70’s! The leftovers make an awesome sandwich as well. Delicious!
Jacqueline Debono says
Meatloaf is one of my favourite weeknight dinner dishes because its easy to put together and doesn’t need a lot of pots and pans! I usually use a loaf tin to make mine but want to try your recipe out next time. Your glaze sounds yummy!
Jamie says
I would always order meatloaf at diners too until I found this recipe! This is juicy, flavorful, and so much better than what I get at restaurants. Delicious!
Emily says
I didn’t grow up on meatloaf like some people but my guy loves it and I am totally making this!
Amy says
I love a good meatloaf! My kids love it too and this recipe was really easy to follow and turned out super yum!
Catherine says
The perfect meatloaf!!
Andréa Janssen says
I love meatloaf and this recipe sounds delicious. I’m going to try it soon!
Laura says
So much flavor in this meatloaf. It definitely beats how I used to make it.
Lindsay says
Looks likea great classic recipe!
ANGELA says
Amazing Meatloaf. thank you Chef
Sue says
Truly a great classic!
Amy Liu Dong says
Reading your article makes me happy because it gives me an another chance to learn new recipe and this one is so delicious!
Farrukh Aziz says
This meatloaf looks so good! Meatloafs are my favorite, especially on a weekend dinner! I need to try this out!
Catalina says
A good meatloaf is always the best idea for dinner. This one looks so inviting!
Rosey says
I used to make meatloaf all of the time. It’s one of those dishes my grown kids loved growing up. This one looks delish!
HilLesha says
This looks amazing! This brings back childhood memories as my mom loved to make meatloaf.
Swathi says
This meat loaf looks delicious I like that this ultimate comfort meal.
Lesli Schwartz says
Meatloaf is a staple in our family and I’m always looking for creative, new meatloaf recipes. Love this classic recipe and plan on making this very, very soon!
Stine Mari says
That glaze on top is so delicious! We don’t usually have glaze on meatloaf in Norway, but I really loved this!
Leslie says
I’m really impressed with this meatloaf recipe! But I’m drooling over your glaze! This is a great addition to this classic dish!
Melissa Dixon says
This looks and sounds really good. I know my husband has been talking about his grandmother’s meatloaf recipe for years and I have yet to make it for him. I may need to try this one out and surprise him.
Kathy says
This looks really good. I love meatloaf. I haven’t made it in a few months yet. I will have to give yours a try. I always try out new meatloaf recipes.
Heather says
We love meatloaf for dinner! The meatloaf sauce for this sounds so good. Will be making soon!
Nikki Wayne says
I have tried making making meatloaf few times. This one seems perfect.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
Would you believe I have never tried meatloaf before. It sounds like a tasty and very filling meal.
Monica Simpson says
Meatloaf is such a comforting meal to me. I wish my kids liked it. I hardly ever make it for this reason.
Heather says
This is pretty similar to my Nana’s meatloaf recipe. I will definitely try your version next!
Amber Myers says
Oh yes please, I know my family would love this. We are huge fans of meatloaf, and this looks delicious.
Tasheena says
This meatloaf brings back so many amazing childhood memories. Looking forward to trying this recipe.