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    Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

    Best Meatloaf Recipe

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

    1.3K shares
    • Facebook407
    • Yummly
    5 from 108 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    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. 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.

    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”.

    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?

    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 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 sheet pan). Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.

    Ingredients to make the glaze?

    ingredients to make 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 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.

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

    This truly is the perfect classic meatloaf, and if you have any leftovers, they make a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day.

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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 108 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 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 15 mins
    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

    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. Ramona

      February 19, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      I haven’t made a meatloaf in ages and this recipe is tempting me! this looks absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to make this soon. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    2. Amy Nash

      February 19, 2021 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      I love classic meatloaf! I like fun flavor twists too, but there is just something about the classic that is so good, especially as leftovers the next day! That glaze on top is delicious!

      Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      February 19, 2021 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, this is so delicious! I am really excited to make this for my kids and I am sure they will love this.

      Reply
    4. Andrea Howe

      February 16, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      Oh I love meatloaf and it reminds me of my childhood so much. I hardly ever make it but this recipe has given me inspiration to add it to the meal plan this week! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Ali Hanson

      February 16, 2021 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      I r4eally like your recipe for the glaze, Quarantine sure had brought out my love for comfort food, this is one of them!

      Reply
    6. Gloria

      February 15, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      When I was a kid I hated meatloaf. I mean when my mom made it I didn’t want to eat dinner. NOW…I LOVE meatloaf….and this looks deilcious.

      Reply
    7. Jodi

      February 15, 2021 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Chef for sharing this amazing meatloaf recipe! My family all loved it for dinner this week.

      Reply
    8. Alexis

      February 15, 2021 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      I was on the hunt for a moist and yummy meatloaf, this recipe is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
    9. Beth

      February 14, 2021 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      My family thinks the best meatloaf is one that is tender and moist for the first meal but holds together well enough for sandwiches later. This looks like that kind of meatloaf and I look forward to trying it.

      Reply
    10. Julie

      February 14, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      This meatloaf recipe is perfect! I love all the flavors and it came together perfectly. What a great classic recipe for the family.

      Reply
    11. Natalie

      February 14, 2021 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this meatloaf looks amazing. Meat is so flavorful and tender. I must save this on my weekly menu.

      Reply
    12. Robin

      February 13, 2021 at 10:48 pm

      5 stars
      I haven’t had a meatloaf this good since the 70’s! The leftovers make an awesome sandwich as well. Delicious!

      Reply
    13. Jacqueline Debono

      February 13, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      Meatloaf is one of my favourite weeknight dinner dishes because its easy to put together and doesn’t need a lot of pots and pans! I usually use a loaf tin to make mine but want to try your recipe out next time. Your glaze sounds yummy!

      Reply
    14. Jamie

      February 13, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      I would always order meatloaf at diners too until I found this recipe! This is juicy, flavorful, and so much better than what I get at restaurants. Delicious!

      Reply
    15. Emily

      February 12, 2021 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t grow up on meatloaf like some people but my guy loves it and I am totally making this!

      Reply
    16. Amy

      February 12, 2021 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good meatloaf! My kids love it too and this recipe was really easy to follow and turned out super yum!

      Reply
    17. Catherine

      February 12, 2021 at 5:12 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect meatloaf!!

      Reply
    18. Andréa Janssen

      February 12, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love meatloaf and this recipe sounds delicious. I’m going to try it soon!

      Reply
    19. Laura

      February 12, 2021 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      So much flavor in this meatloaf. It definitely beats how I used to make it.

      Reply
    20. Lindsay

      February 12, 2021 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Looks likea great classic 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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