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. After baking this meatloaf is finished with an easy-to-make zesty glaze that takes it to a whole other level of deliciousness!
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 that you can put it in the oven after a busy day at work or at home.
If you’re looking for a non-traditional meatloaf recipe, my Spicy Meatloaf is sure to please.
Ingredients
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”.
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 the Best Meatloaf?
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Mix the ingredients together until well blended, then refrigerate the meat mixture for 30 – 60 minutes (or 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.
Shape the meat into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking dish (or rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan). Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.
Ingredients to make the glaze?
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.
I used these ingredients to make my meatloaf glaze
- ketchup
- cider vinegar
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- sea salt
- black pepper
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.
This is the instant-read meat thermometer that I use.
Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serve it with your favorite sides.
This truly is the perfect classic meatloaf, and if you have any leftovers, they make a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day.
More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
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.
ANGELA
Amazing Meatloaf. thank you Chef
Sue
Truly a great classic!
Amy Liu Dong
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
This meatloaf looks so good! Meatloafs are my favorite, especially on a weekend dinner! I need to try this out!
Catalina
A good meatloaf is always the best idea for dinner. This one looks so inviting!
Rosey
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
This looks amazing! This brings back childhood memories as my mom loved to make meatloaf.
Swathi
This meat loaf looks delicious I like that this ultimate comfort meal.
Lesli Schwartz
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
That glaze on top is so delicious! We don’t usually have glaze on meatloaf in Norway, but I really loved this!
Leslie
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
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
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
We love meatloaf for dinner! The meatloaf sauce for this sounds so good. Will be making soon!
Nikki Wayne
I have tried making making meatloaf few times. This one seems perfect.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
Would you believe I have never tried meatloaf before. It sounds like a tasty and very filling meal.
Monica Simpson
Meatloaf is such a comforting meal to me. I wish my kids liked it. I hardly ever make it for this reason.
Heather
This is pretty similar to my Nana’s meatloaf recipe. I will definitely try your version next!
Amber Myers
Oh yes please, I know my family would love this. We are huge fans of meatloaf, and this looks delicious.
Tasheena
This meatloaf brings back so many amazing childhood memories. Looking forward to trying this recipe.