Soul-Warming Hearty Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new dimension with this hearty meatloaf with tangy glaze that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this classic dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

The blend of ground beef, herbs, and a perfectly balanced glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Juicy and tender, the meatloaf comes together with simple ingredients that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a delightful mix of meaty goodness and zesty excitement.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible meatloaf.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this comforting, flavor-packed masterpiece.

Classic Meatloaf With Glaze Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Select a mix of lean and fatty beef for juicy, flavorful meatloaf with rich texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and enhances meat's natural savoriness.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Creates tender texture and helps hold meatloaf together without becoming dense.
• Eggs: Acts as natural binding agent to prevent crumbling and add richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides foundational savory depth and aromatic complexity to the meat mixture.
• Parsley, Thyme: Introduces fresh herbal notes and brightens overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning and bringing out natural meat flavors.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Creates sweet-tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully and adds glossy finish to meatloaf.

Tools to Mix and Bake Glazed Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet or loaf pan: Needed to shape and cook the meatloaf.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing the meatloaf after resting.
• Hands: Great for gently mixing meatloaf ingredients without overworking the meat.

How to Make Meatloaf That Holds Its Shape and Flavor

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet or loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

• Mix the

Soak breadcrumbs in milk for a quick minute. Toss in ground beef and all the flavor-packed ingredients. Gently blend with your hands, keeping things light and tender.

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a beautiful loaf on the baking sheet. Aim for a classic rectangular shape that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Whip Up the Glaze

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

• Coat and Bake

Slather half the glaze over the meatloaf, covering every inch. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

• Finish with Flavor

Pull out the meatloaf and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until it reaches 160°F.

• Let It Rest and Dig In

Give the meatloaf a 10-minute break to lock in those juicy flavors. Slice and serve alongside your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Glaze Ideas for Your Meatloaf Recipe

• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavor and juiciness, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that's lower in fat but still packed with delicious flavor.
• Transform cold meatloaf into tasty sandwiches or crumble it over salads for a quick and satisfying next-day meal that reduces food waste.

Serve This Meatloaf With Mashed Potatoes or Veggies

• Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Leftover: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mustard on toasted bread for a quick lunch option.
• Meal Prep Champion: Slice the entire meatloaf after cooling and store individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel, which enhance the savory glaze and meaty texture.

How to Keep Meatloaf Moist When Storing

• Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, ensuring an airtight seal to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
• Slice the entire meatloaf before freezing. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for 2-3 months.
• Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Prepare two meatloaves simultaneously, enjoying one immediately and refrigerating or freezing the second for future quick meals. This approach saves time and provides convenient dinner options during busy weeks.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe cooking.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. The milk-soaked breadcrumbs help retain moisture, and letting the meatloaf rest after baking keeps it juicy.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs like parsley and thyme?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb as a replacement for fresh herbs.

• Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?

While not mandatory, a meat thermometer ensures your meatloaf is cooked safely and prevents overcooking. It helps you achieve the perfect 160°F internal temperature for ground beef.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Classic Meatloaf with a Delicious Glaze blends ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings into a comforting midwestern dinner. Generous ketchup-based glaze adds tangy sweetness that completes this nostalgic meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and presentation.
2. Bread Hydration: Soak breadcrumbs in milk, creating a moisture-rich foundation that ensures a tender, succulent meatloaf texture.
3. Flavor Fusion: Gently combine ground beef with diced onions, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix with a delicate touch to maintain the meat’s delicate structure and prevent compacting.
4. Loaf Formation: Shape the meat mixture into a symmetrical, elongated loaf approximately 8 inches long, promoting even cooking and appealing visual presentation.
5. Glaze Crafting: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce into a harmonious, glossy coating that will elevate the meatloaf’s flavor profile.
6. Initial Glazing: Brush half the prepared glaze over the meatloaf, creating a preliminary layer of caramelized sweetness and depth.
7. Roasting Cycle: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to develop rich, golden-brown edges and concentrate its savory essence.
8. Final Glazing and Cooking: Reapply the remaining glaze, then continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring both safety and optimal juiciness.
9. Resting Phase: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and guaranteeing a moist, cohesive final result.
10. Serving: Slice the meatloaf and plate with complementary sides like velvety mashed potatoes or crisp, verdant green beans.

Notes

Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use a combination of ground meats (beef, pork, veal) to increase moisture and enhance flavor complexity.

Handle Meat Gently: Mix ingredients with a light touch to avoid compressing the meat, which can result in a dense, tough texture.

Glaze Application Technique: Apply glaze in layers for maximum caramelization and depth of flavor, ensuring even coating without overwhelming the meat.

Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking while guaranteeing food safety at 160°F.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg