Description
Mouthwatering best ever balsamic glazed meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with an irresistible twist. Savory beef mingles with tangy balsamic glaze, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 pounds (227 grams) ground pork
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 0.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
- 0.25 cups balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a precise temperature of 375 degrees fahrenheit, preparing it for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Select either a parchment-lined baking sheet or a well-greased loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the meatloaf after cooking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, diced onions, and herbs until the mixture becomes uniformly blended.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and consistent texture throughout.
- Carefully transfer the formed meatloaf to the prepared baking surface, positioning it centrally for optimal heat circulation.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, tangy glaze that will elevate the meatloaf’s flavor profile.
- Generously brush the initial layer of glaze over the entire surface of the raw meatloaf, allowing the sweet and acidic notes to penetrate the meat.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 45-50 minutes, monitoring its internal temperature to ensure proper doneness.
- During the final 10-15 minutes of cooking, apply additional glaze layers to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final result.
- Slice the meatloaf into even portions, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version that still maintains rich flavor and tender texture.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Enhance the balsamic glaze by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for deeper caramelization and subtle sweetness that complements the meat’s savory profile.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, preventing crumbly edges and maintaining perfect shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg