Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

Name: Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 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 garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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.

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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.

Ingredients

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.

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

Making the glaze only requires a few simple ingredients and can easily 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, 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.

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.

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