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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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    Pinterest Image for Diner Style Meatloaf

    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
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!
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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. ANGELA

      February 12, 2021 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      Amazing Meatloaf. thank you Chef

      Reply
    2. Sue

      February 12, 2021 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      Truly a great classic!

      Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      February 12, 2021 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      Reading your article makes me happy because it gives me an another chance to learn new recipe and this one is so delicious!

      Reply
    4. Farrukh Aziz

      February 12, 2021 at 3:14 am

      5 stars
      This meatloaf looks so good! Meatloafs are my favorite, especially on a weekend dinner! I need to try this out!

      Reply
    5. Catalina

      February 11, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      A good meatloaf is always the best idea for dinner. This one looks so inviting!

      Reply
    6. Rosey

      February 11, 2021 at 5:36 am

      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!

      Reply
    7. HilLesha

      February 11, 2021 at 4:59 am

      This looks amazing! This brings back childhood memories as my mom loved to make meatloaf.

      Reply
    8. Swathi

      February 11, 2021 at 1:06 am

      5 stars
      This meat loaf looks delicious I like that this ultimate comfort meal.

      Reply
    9. Lesli Schwartz

      February 10, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    10. Stine Mari

      February 10, 2021 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      That glaze on top is so delicious! We don’t usually have glaze on meatloaf in Norway, but I really loved this!

      Reply
    11. Leslie

      February 10, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      I’m really impressed with this meatloaf recipe! But I’m drooling over your glaze! This is a great addition to this classic dish!

      Reply
    12. Melissa Dixon

      February 10, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
    13. Kathy

      February 10, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
    14. Heather

      February 10, 2021 at 8:41 am

      5 stars
      We love meatloaf for dinner! The meatloaf sauce for this sounds so good. Will be making soon!

      Reply
    15. Nikki Wayne

      February 09, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried making making meatloaf few times. This one seems perfect.

      Reply
    16. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

      February 09, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Would you believe I have never tried meatloaf before. It sounds like a tasty and very filling meal.

      Reply
    17. Monica Simpson

      February 09, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      Meatloaf is such a comforting meal to me. I wish my kids liked it. I hardly ever make it for this reason.

      Reply
    18. Heather

      February 09, 2021 at 11:38 am

      This is pretty similar to my Nana’s meatloaf recipe. I will definitely try your version next!

      Reply
    19. Amber Myers

      February 09, 2021 at 11:30 am

      Oh yes please, I know my family would love this. We are huge fans of meatloaf, and this looks delicious.

      Reply
    20. Tasheena

      February 09, 2021 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      This meatloaf brings back so many amazing childhood memories. Looking forward to trying this recipe.

      Reply
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