Name: Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
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; 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

5 from 46 votes

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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 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!

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 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.

What Ingredients do I need to make a Classic Meatloaf?

Ingredients to make meatloaf on a cutting board

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Classi 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 Classic Meatloaf?

ingredients to make meatloaf in a large glass bowl

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

ingredients for meatloaf all mixed together in a glass bowl

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.

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 (or rimmed baking sheet or sheetpan). 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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5 from 46 votes