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    Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

    Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

    Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Aug 12, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    3.0K shares
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    5 from 116 votes
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    Pinterest Image for Diner Style Meatloaf

    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. When this Classic Meatloaf has finished baking, my easy-to-make zesty glaze takes it to a new level of deliciousness. The glaze enhances the flavor and elevates the dish.

    two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter.

    This meatloaf is something the whole family will love, and it can be prepared in advance. That way, you can just pop it in the oven after a long day at work or home.

    If you’re looking for a non-traditional meatloaf recipe, my Spicy Meatloaf is sure to please.

    Table of Contents:

    • Ingredients
    • Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?
    • How Do I Make the Best Meatloaf?
    • Ingredients to make the glaze?
    • More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!
    • Classic Meatloaf Recipe
      • Ingredients
        • Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients
      • Instructions
        • Meatloaf Mix
        • Meatloaf Glaze
      • Nutrition

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make the recipe on a cutting board.

    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.”

    Setting up ingredients ahead of time speeds up the cooking process. It also helps make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the dish.

    Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?

    No, you don’t. If you don’t like fresh onions or garlic, you can substitute them with granulated versions. This is something I do when making meatloaf for my wife. 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?

    ingredients in a large glass bowl

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

    ingredients all mixed together in a glass bowl

    Mix the ingredients until blended. Refrigerate the meat mixture for 30-60 minutes. You may also refrigerate it 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. Place it on a parchment-lined baking dish, rimmed baking sheet, or sheet pan. Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.

    Ingredients to make the glaze?

    ingredients to make glaze in glass bowls

    Making the glaze only requires a few simple ingredients and can easily be adjusted using your favorite seasonings, type of vinegar, and sweetener.

    glaze 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.

    Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for 15 more minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should be 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.

    two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter

    My classic meatloaf comes as close to perfection as possible, and after one bite, I know you’ll agree this is the best meatloaf recipe you’ve ever made.

    If you have any leftovers, they make a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day.

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      Authentic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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    two slices of meatloaf in front of the rest of the meatloaf on a white platter
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    5 from 116 votes

    Classic Meatloaf Recipe

    When it comes to making a Classic Meatloaf nobody does it better than Chef Dennis. Flavorful and easy to make at home this American Classic is still bringing smiles to dinner tables around the country.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time1 hour hr
    Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 423kcal

    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

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    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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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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