Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is loaded with flavor and moisture, and it's made with sautéed vegetables, spices, and bread crumbs. It's topped off with a glaze that has been used for decades. Your loaf's size and shape, as well as the kind of baking pan you use, will all have an impact on the amount of time it takes to bake. On chilly days in the fall or winter, serve this hearty dinner with mashed potatoes and a simple mushroom gravy. When you and your loved ones are in need of some great comfort food that everyone in the home will enjoy, a classic meatloaf is the dish that you should prepare. It is a time-honored dinner, yet at the same time, it is very simple to prepare.

Directions

Step one: Preheat the oven to 325° F (165° C). Using lightly greased foil, line a baking dish.
Step two: Place the following ingredients in a food processor: carrot, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Step three: Add the Worcestershire sauce, egg, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and ground chuck to the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir the ingredients until they are barely combined. Don't overmix; just combine the bread crumbs with your fingertips after scattering them in.
Step four: Form the mixture into a loaf about 4 inches high by 6 inches wide. Place it in the baking pan that has been prepared.
Step five: Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the meatloaf is hot.
Step six: Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon, and Sriracha for the glaze.
Step seven: Take the meatloaf out of the oven. With the back of a spoon, spoon glaze on top of the meatloaf, then pull a tiny bit glaze down the sides.
Step eight: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 45 to 75 minutes, or until the inside is no longer pink. Start checking the meatloaf for 45 minutes and baking it until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf registers at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Step nine: The shape and thickness of the meatloaf will determine how long it takes to cook.

Ground Chuck: Although this recipe calls for ground chuck, some reviewers prefer to substitute other types of ground meat (like beef or venison).
Vegetables: Carrot, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic, all nearly pureed, will add moisture and flavor to the meatloaf.
Worcestershire Sauce: A spoonful of Worcestershire sauce adds umami flavor to the meatloaf.
Egg: The egg helps in the binding of the meatloaf.
Spices: Use dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to season the meatloaf.
Bread Crumbs: Bread crumbs will hold the meatloaf together.

Optional additions and recipe modifications

If you don't want to see onion pieces in your meatloaf, sauté the onion ahead of time or substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder for the diced onion. Want to include more vegetables? Try shredding carrots, zucchini, or diced bell peppers!