Chef John's traditional meatloaf recipe uses classic ingredients like sautéed vegetables, spices, and bread crumbs. An old-fashioned glaze adds flavor to every slice.
Preparation Time
30 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Calories
284 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a baking dish with lightly greased foil.
Step 2
Shape the mixture into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across. Place in the prepared baking pan.
Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, stir brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon, and Sriracha for glaze in a small bowl until brown sugar has dissolved.
Step 5
Remove meatloaf from the oven. Spoon glaze on the top of the meatloaf with the back of a spoon, then pull a tiny bit glaze down the sides.
Step 6
Gather all ingredients.
Step 7
Place carrot, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor; pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a purée. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 8
Add ground chuck to the vegetables, along with Worcestershire sauce, egg, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until ingredients are just combined. Sprinkle in bread crumbs and gently mix with your fingertips until just combined; don't overmix.
Step 9
Return to the oven, and bake until no longer pink inside, 45 to 75 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), so start checking at 45 minutes and continue baking until meatloaf reaches that temperature. Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.
