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!
Kathy
Looks so yummy. I am going to halve the recipe (only feeding two). Will the cooking time be the same?
Chef Dennis Littley
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
Kathy
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.
Darren
What size do you shape this into?
Chef Dennis Littley
shape it into an oval about 3 inches high
Jamie
This is something my family loves for dinner! The sauce on top is flavorful and perfectly complements the meatloaf. Delicious!
Susan
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?
Chef Dennis Littley
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).
Amanda Dixon
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
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
My absolute favorite comfort food is meatloaf. Your recipe is a keeper, came out fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing it!
amycaseycooks
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
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.