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Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Jun 14, 2025 by Chef Dennis Littley

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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 uses lean ground beef, seasonings, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and other pantry staples. When you’ve finished baking our Classic Meatloaf, my easy-to-make zesty glaze elevates it to a new level of deliciousness.

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 at home.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional meatloaf recipe, try our Spicy Meatloaf and Lipton French Onion Meatloaf recipes.

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients
  • Do I have to use chopped onions and garlic in my Meatloaf?
  • How to Make the Best Meatloaf
  • Ingredients to make the glaze
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!
  • Recipe: Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe.

Gather the ingredients to prepare the Best Meatloaf recipe you’ve ever made. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

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. I do this 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 to Make the Best Meatloaf

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the Best Meatloaf you’ve ever had in your home kitchen.

ingredients in a large glass bowl

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, 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 set up the meatloaf mixture. Make sure to cover the meatloaf mixture with plastic wrap.

*If you’re pressed for time, it can be used immediately.

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°F oven for 45 minutes.

Ingredients to make the glaze

Ingredients to make the glaze.

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, ensuring 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.

finished meatloaf garnished with chopped parsley on a baking sheet

Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5-10 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.

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?

You can use beef broth, tomato juice, non-dairy milk substitutes, or water.

Can I use other ground meat to make the meatloaf?

Absolutely. You can use a regular meatloaf mix of beef, pork, and veal, or any combination of those ground meats. You can also replace some of the ground beef with ground sausage meat.
The meatloaf can also be made with ground turkey or ground chicken.

Do I have to use ketchup for the glaze?

No, you don’t. If you prefer, you can eliminate the glaze and serve the meatloaf with brown gravy. You can also use barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze.

More Delicious Diner Style Recipes!

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

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Chef Dennis Littley
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.
5 from 323 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 423 kcal

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 garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon 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, ketchup, 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.

Notes

What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?
You can use beef broth, tomato juice, non-dairy milk substitutes, or water.
Can I use other ground meat to make the meatloaf?
Absolutely. You can use a regular meatloaf mix of beef, pork, and veal, or any combination of those ground meats. You can also replace some of the ground beef with ground sausage meat.
The meatloaf can also be made with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Do I have to use ketchup for the glaze?
No, you don’t. If you prefer, you can eliminate the glaze and serve the meatloaf with brown gravy. You can also use barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 423kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 24gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 916mgPotassium: 537mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 374IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 323 votes (191 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Amanda Dixon says

    February 21, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    Talk about the best meatloaf ever! This came out so well. Everyone loved it. The glaze was the perfect finishing touch with so much flavor, and the meatloaf was wonderfully tender.

    Reply
  2. Tristin says

    February 21, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! This meatloaf is such a classic, must-have recipe. Love that you can make this recipe ahead of time to just pop it in the oven for dinner.

    Reply
  3. Jenny says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    5 stars
    My absolute favorite comfort food is meatloaf. Your recipe is a keeper, came out fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing it!

    Reply
  4. amycaseycooks says

    February 20, 2021 at 8:57 pm

    5 stars
    You had me at meatloaf sauce! What a fabulous addition to the perfect meatloaf. I’m a huge diner fan and can’t wait to give this one a try. Thanks Dennis!

    Reply
  5. Helen says

    February 20, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve not eaten meatloaf in a very long time, but now I’ve got a strong craving. Yours looks really juicy and flavourful. It also seems like quite an easy dish to make and something I could turn around on a weeknight. I think I’ll try it one day next week.

    Reply
  6. Ramona says

    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
  7. Amy Nash says

    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
  8. Amy Liu Dong says

    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
  9. Andrea Howe says

    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
  10. Ali Hanson says

    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
  11. Gloria says

    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
  12. Jodi says

    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
  13. Alexis says

    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
  14. Beth says

    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
  15. Julie says

    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
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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. 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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