Classic Meatloaf with a Delicious Glaze Recipe: Homestyle Comfort!

Crafting a classic meatloaf with a dazzling glaze brings pure comfort to any dinner table.

My grandma’s secret recipe transforms a humble dish into something magical.

Tender meat, perfectly seasoned, creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

We combine simple ingredients to build incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Rich, savory notes blend beautifully through careful mixing and patient baking.

Juicy and packed with robust seasoning, this meatloaf promises to become your new favorite weeknight staple.

You’ll want to slice into this delectable creation and savor every single bite.

Go-To Sides for This Retro Favorite

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich meaty flavors, cutting through the meatloaf's denseness with its full-bodied profile.
• Create a classic comfort food combination by serving smooth, buttery mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, absorbing the delicious glaze and providing a velvety texture contrast.
• Add bright green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the meal's heaviness, introducing a fresh, slightly crunchy element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Enhance the meatloaf experience with a homemade brown gravy that amplifies the existing glaze, adding an extra layer of savory depth and moisture to each slice.

Flavor Adjustments Using BBQ, Mustard, or Heat

Veggie-Packed Meatloaf: Replace half the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for added nutrition and plant-based protein.

Low-Carb Keto Meatloaf: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative in the glaze to reduce carbohydrates.

Turkey Lighter Meatloaf: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Friendly Meatloaf: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Classic Meatloaf with Glaze That’s Sweet and Savory

• Create a hearty meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort. This meatloaf recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Swap ground beef for turkey or add different herbs to match your taste preferences. The recipe welcomes personal touches, making it perfect for home cooks who love to experiment with flavors.
• Delivers a classic dish that appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents. The sweet and tangy glaze ensures even picky eaters will clean their plates, turning mealtime into a joyful experience.
• Prepare the meatloaf in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers reheat beautifully, providing quick lunches or dinner solutions for busy households seeking convenient, tasty meals.

Must-Have Ingredients for Glazed Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful base of the meatloaf that provides hearty protein. Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for best texture and taste.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together. Fresh eggs work best.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Moisture-adding combination that keeps the meatloaf tender and helps prevent dryness. Use plain breadcrumbs for neutral flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth of flavor. Fresh ingredients provide the most robust taste.
• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile. Optional but recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste. Use kosher salt for better distribution.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the meatloaf mixture.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes and adds a delicious finish to the meatloaf. Adjust proportions to taste preference.

Baking Steps to Get a Juicy, Thick Slice

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F. Grab a baking sheet or loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for hassle-free cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Milk

Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes so breadcrumbs soak up the milk.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped parsley
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently combine with your hands until everything is just mixed. Don’t overwork the meat or it’ll become tough.

Step 3: Sculpt the Loaf

Move the mixture to the prepared pan. Shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 5: Coat the Meatloaf

Spread half the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Keep the remaining glaze in reserve.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Pull it out and slather the remaining glaze on top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 7: Rest and Devour

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps the meat juicy.

Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.

Tips for a Smooth, Shiny Glaze Finish

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select ground beef with 85% lean meat for optimal moisture and flavor without excessive greasiness.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the meat mixture delicately using your hands, mixing just until ingredients combine to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture.
• Moisture-Preserving Trick: Add milk-soaked breadcrumbs to maintain tenderness and prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry during baking.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf without overcooking.
• Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Apply the sweet and tangy glaze in two stages- halfway through and at the end- for a caramelized, richly flavored exterior.

Store and Slice with Ease for Leftovers

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent dryness.

Classic Meatloaf With A Delicious Glaze Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty classic meatloaf with a glossy glaze beckons comfort food enthusiasts with its rich, savory profile. Generations of home cooks have cherished this timeless dish that promises warmth and satisfaction on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) ground beef (80% lean)

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cleanup.
2. Create a moisture-rich base by combining breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to absorb liquid for enhanced texture.
3. Incorporate ground beef with aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Gently fold the components together, maintaining a light touch to preserve the meatloaf’s tenderness.
4. Mold the meat mixture into a symmetrical loaf shape, roughly 8 inches long, ensuring even cooking and aesthetic presentation.
5. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Generously coat the meatloaf’s exterior with half the prepared glaze, creating a flavorful initial layer.
7. Transfer the glazed meatloaf to the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to develop rich, caramelized edges.
8. Reapply the remaining glaze, intensifying the flavor profile and creating a glossy exterior.
9. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and succulent results.
10. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, cohesive texture.
11. Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside complementary side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or crisp green beans.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef with around 15% fat for a moist and flavorful meatloaf without being too greasy.
• Gently mix ingredients to prevent a tough, dense texture that happens when meat is overworked.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs or day-old bread instead of store-bought for better moisture absorption and richer flavor.
• Test internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and prevent overcooking, which dries out the meat.
• Customize the glaze by adding a splash of hot sauce or replacing ketchup with tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rolled oats or almond flour.
• Prepare extra glaze on the side for serving, as diners often enjoy additional sauce with their meatloaf.
• Freeze individual slices for quick weeknight meals, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg