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.](https://www.askchefdennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sliced-meatloaf-10-680x636.jpg)
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.
Ingredients
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 donโt. 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?
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
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.
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?
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, 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.
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.
Allow the meatloaf to cool for 5 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.
Nyree White
This meatloaf recipe is moist and delicious! The glaze on top was yummy too although next time I think I will add more brown sugar for a little more sweetness. I will definitely be putting this recipe in regular rotation. Thanks Chef Dennis!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe!
Dennis Koegel
That’s the way I make my meatloaf chef Dennis
Chef Dennis Littley
It a delicious meatloaf!
Ann
Love this meatloaf so much, we’ve made it several times now. In the oven again tonight! Thank you.
Chef Dennis Littley
I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my meatloaf recipe. It’s a family favorite for as long as I can remember
Vickie M Burnham
Chef Dennis, I cooked this meatloaf tonight and my husband canโt stop raving about it, heโs already talking about a meatloaf sandwich
Tomorrow!!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley
You’re welcome, and I’m happy to hear your husband enjoyed my meatloaf recipe, and a meatloaf sandwich is a wonderful thing!
Kathy
Iโve been cooking for over 45 years, always tweaking the meatloaf recipeโฆ.let me tell you, Iโm finished searchingโฆthis is itโฆfor sure! I DID use a poblano pepper chopped finely, and it added some zing to the finished product! Meatloaf sammies tomorrow!! Itโs like going back to the โ50โs dinersโฆ.for sureโฆ.
Chef Dennis Littley
The poblano sounds like a tasty addition. I’m happy to hear that your search for a delicious meatloaf recipe is done!
Jill
Oh my gosh!โฆ this recipe is delicious!!! Out numbers all my past meatloavesโฆ.. very scrumptious . A must for sure, you wonโt regret it.
Chef Dennis Littley
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe. I’ve been making it for decades!
Toi
Hands down the best meatloaf I made. Moist flavorable easy to make. Delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley
Thank you! I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe.
Jamie Nold-Williams
Making this for probably the 4th time since finding this recipe. It is now my go-to recipe for meatloaf. To let you know how special and delicious it is, this will be our Valentineโs meal! Thanks, Chef!
Rinda
I have been trying to come up with the best meatloaf recently…some have been awesome..this one is amazing!!! My go to now! Mine could have used a few minutes less in the oven, but that’s my oven…issues since day one…next time I may use a meatloaf mix instead of straight beef….but regardless, best recipe I have had. Thankyou for posting
Chef Dennis Littley
You are very welcome and thank you for letting me know you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe.
David V.
This recipe was amazing! I needed a quick meal and this meatloaf recipe was right on point. Even after our meal, I could still taste the herbs. You canโt go wrong with this recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe, its a family favorite!
Terry Johnson
It was great, we do like a few more things in ours, celery, instead of ketchup, we use Baby Rays sweet and spicy, cut the extra sugar out and we like to use the pellet grill to cook it in. Tried it both ways, my wife is type 2 diabetic, so the glaze had way to much sugar. The meat was the best I have ever had. Try cooking it on your pellet grill. Everyone should have one by now. We found the best taste is the ones you get a Sam’s club. Pellets I mean.
Sherri Malone
I’m not sure if there was an error in the instructions. It said to mix the ketchup in the meatloaf mixture but the ketchup is only listed in the glaze/sauce. I’m going to omit it from the meat mixture and see how that goes
Chef Dennis Littley
There is ketchup listed in both the meatloaf and the glaze in the recipe.
Sarah Nielsen
Recipe was easy to follow even with my modifications I added 1/2 cup each of diced carrots and peppers instead of breadcrumbs. It was delicious. Thanks Chef Dennis.
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe.
Julia
This recipe made my boyfriend propose to me, itโs seriously just that good. The only thing different I did was double the amount of sauce/glaze. Thanks Chef Dennis!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe! I hope you find more recipes on my website to try.
Agnes
This recipe looked so good! I thought I would make it. Little did I realize, my husband, who almost never comments on my cooking (unless it doesn’t taste good) said “Please make it again next week”. He almost never says that. This meatloaf recipe is that good!!! Thank you for listing this recipe!!!! Sending you much blessings!!!!
Chef Dennis Littley
I’m thrilled to hear that your husband enjoyed the meatloaf. I hope you find more recipes on my website to try.