Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Classic Meatloaf
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped; 1 rib celery, coarsely chopped; 0.5 medium onion, coarsely chopped; 0.5 medium red bell pepper, coarsely chopped; 4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 2.5 pounds ground chuck; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup plain bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, or to taste

Cook Time: 60 minutes

When you're in need of delicious comfort food that everyone in your household will love, a traditional meatloaf is the way to go. It's a classic meal, and it's an incredibly simple one too. This top-rated recipe from Chef John is sure to become a family favorite in no time. And with only 30 minutes of prep time, you won't mind making it every time it's requested!

Ingredients

Every chef has their own recipe for meatloaf. Here are the ingredients Chef John uses in his:

Ground Chuck: This recipe calls for ground chuck, but some reviewers like to use other kinds of ground meat (like beef or venison).
Vegetables: The nearly-pureed carrot, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic will keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce gives the meatloaf its umami-rich flavor.
Egg: The egg helps bind the meatloaf together.
Spices: Chef John uses dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to season his meatloaf.
Bread Crumbs: Bread crumbs will bind the meatloaf together.
Glaze: This meatloaf has a glaze made with brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and sriracha.

How to Make Meatloaf

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when making this Classic Meatloaf:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Line a baking dish with lightly greased foil.

Step 2: Place carrot, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor; pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a pure. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the ground chuck to the vegetables, along with Worcestershire sauce, egg, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are just combined.

Step 4: Sprinkle in bread crumbs and gently mix with your fingertips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape the mixture into a loaf, about 4 inches high and 6 inches across. Place the loaf in the prepared baking pan.

Step 6: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, just until the meatloaf is hot.

Step 7: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and sriracha. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.

Step 8: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the glaze on top. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, allowing a bit of glaze to drip down the sides.

Step 9: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until no longer pink inside, about 45 to 75 more minutes. Start checking the internal temperature at 45 minutes using a thermometer. When it reads at least 160F (70C), the meatloaf is ready to come out.

Step 10: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!

Cooking Tips

The shape and thickness of your meatloaf, as well as the type of baking pan you use, will affect the cook time. Check the internal temperature starting at 45 minutes, and continue baking until it reaches 160F for perfect results.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 284
Total Fat: 15g (19% daily value)
Saturated Fat: 6g (28% daily value)
Cholesterol: 85mg (28% daily value)
Sodium: 755mg (33% daily value)
Total Carbohydrate: 15g (5% daily value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% daily value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 22g (43% daily value)
Vitamin C: 10mg (11% daily value)
Calcium: 48mg (4% daily value)
Iron: 3mg (16% daily value)
Potassium: 383mg (8% daily value)

Can You Make Meatloaf Ahead of Time?

Yes! Meatloaf is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the meatloaf in the loaf pan, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator overnight until you're ready to bake it.

How to Store Meatloaf

Tightly wrap your meatloaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil (or store it in an airtight ). It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze meatloaf! First, wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap, then cover it with a second layer of aluminum foil. For extra protection, place it in a zip-top freezer bag labeled with the date. Frozen meatloaf will stay good for 3 to 4 months.

What to Serve With Meatloaf

Meatloaf pairs well with many side dishes! Some great options include:

The Best Mashed Potatoes
Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese
Roasted Parmesan-Garlic Carrots

If you're looking for more ideas, check out our collection of side dishes for meatloaf.

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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FAQ about Classic Meatloaf Recipe

After cooking, let the meatloaf cool down to room temperature. Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Yes, meatloaf can be frozen. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag. Label it with the date, and it will stay good in the freezer for 3-4 months.

To reheat frozen meatloaf, you can either bake it in the oven or microwave. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes or until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the meatloaf with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking every 60 seconds.

Yes, meatloaf can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

If your meatloaf falls apart, it's usually due to too much moisture or not enough binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs. Make sure to use the recommended amount of breadcrumbs and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier than beef, so you might want to add a little extra moisture with ingredients like broth or more vegetables.

To avoid overcooking your meatloaf, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Start checking the temperature after 45 minutes of cooking, as the exact time may vary based on the thickness of the loaf and your oven.

Yes, if you don't have breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice. These alternatives will help bind the meatloaf together.

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses a sweet and spicy glaze with brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and sriracha, you can customize it to your liking. Try using barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a simple tomato sauce for a different flavor.

To keep your meatloaf moist, make sure to use vegetables in the recipe, as they help retain moisture. Also, be careful not to overcook the meatloaf and avoid overmixing the meat, which can make it tough.

Comments

Barbara Edwards

06/18/2023 01:14:08 PM

I made some modifications based on what ingredients I had at home, like using 1.5 lbs less beef and skipping the mushrooms. Instead of Worcestershire, I used balsamic vinegar. Grating the veggies made them turn out perfectly. The meatloaf turned out moist and packed with flavor after baking it for 20+40 minutes in the oven. Despite greasing the foil with olive oil, it still stuck a bit, so I'll try parchment paper next time. I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Michael Martinez

05/05/2024 08:16:01 PM

I substituted stove top stuffing for bread crumbs and used A-1 sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce. The dish turned out exceptionally tasty!

Donald Roberts

09/13/2022 03:42:55 PM

I followed this recipe exactly as written. It was outstanding! The combination of various vegetables provided a rich and flavorful taste, and the glaze on top was superb. Highly recommend!

Debra Campbell

10/25/2023 08:46:55 AM

Chef John is absolutely fantastic. I prepared this dish for my entire family, and my daughters absolutely adored it. It has earned a permanent spot on our weekly menu. Thank you, Chef John!

Donald Parker

01/04/2024 12:13:32 AM

My sons really enjoyed it.

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