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.
What Ingredients do I need to make a Classic Meatloaf?
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?
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 sheetpan). Bake in the 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes.
How do I make the glaze for the meatloaf?
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.
Ramona
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!
Amy Nash
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!
Amy Liu Dong
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.
Andrea Howe
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!
Ali Hanson
I r4eally like your recipe for the glaze, Quarantine sure had brought out my love for comfort food, this is one of them!
Gloria
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.
Jodi
Thank you Chef for sharing this amazing meatloaf recipe! My family all loved it for dinner this week.
Alexis
I was on the hunt for a moist and yummy meatloaf, this recipe is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.
Beth
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.
Julie
This meatloaf recipe is perfect! I love all the flavors and it came together perfectly. What a great classic recipe for the family.
Natalie
Wow, this meatloaf looks amazing. Meat is so flavorful and tender. I must save this on my weekly menu.
Robin
I haven’t had a meatloaf this good since the 70’s! The leftovers make an awesome sandwich as well. Delicious!
Jacqueline Debono
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!
Jamie
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!
Emily
I didn’t grow up on meatloaf like some people but my guy loves it and I am totally making this!
Amy
I love a good meatloaf! My kids love it too and this recipe was really easy to follow and turned out super yum!
Catherine
The perfect meatloaf!!
Andréa Janssen
I love meatloaf and this recipe sounds delicious. I’m going to try it soon!
Laura
So much flavor in this meatloaf. It definitely beats how I used to make it.
Lindsay
Looks likea great classic recipe!