Classic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Meatloaf has become a hearty classic that satisfies comfort food cravings like nothing else.

Homemade recipes bring warmth to dinner tables across America.

Tender ground beef mixed with simple ingredients creates magic in every slice.

Families appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Rich seasonings and a glossy glaze make this recipe stand out from ordinary versions.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory meat and sweet caramelized coating.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel and impress everyone at the table.

Why Glazed Meatloaf Is a Comfort Food Favorite

• Perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Delivers classic homestyle flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family-friendly recipe everyone will enjoy.
• Easily adaptable with different ground meat blends, seasonings, or glaze variations to suit personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Requires simple mixing, shaping, and baking techniques that are approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring consistent delicious results every time.

What Goes Into a Classic Glazed Meatloaf

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich, flavorful meats that form the base of the meatloaf, providing hearty texture and protein.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help bind the meat together and keep the meatloaf tender and moist. Use fresh breadcrumbs for best results.
• Eggs: Act as a natural binder to hold the meatloaf structure.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic base to the meatloaf. Fresh ingredients offer the best flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, tangy umami taste to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that boost overall flavor profile.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking, adding shine and extra flavor to the meatloaf.

How to Form and Bake a Solid Glazed Meatloaf

Step 1: Create Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Gently blend ingredients until just incorporated without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Form Delicious Loaf

Transfer meat mixture onto a lined baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape into an elongated loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Initial Glaze Application

Brush half of the prepared glaze evenly across the meatloaf surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place meatloaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Final Glaze Touch

Fifteen minutes before completing cooking time, generously spread remaining glaze over meatloaf.

Step 7: Rest And Slice

Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. This helps redistribute juices, ensuring a moist texture.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

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

Glaze Tips That Add Just the Right Kick

• Customize Meat Blend: Mix ground beef and pork for richer flavor and improved texture, creating a more succulent meatloaf that's juicier than using just one type of meat.
• Prevent Dense Texture: Gently mix ingredients and avoid overworking the meat mixture, which helps maintain a light, tender consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Apply glaze in two stages – first before baking and again near the end – to build layers of caramelized, sweet-tangy flavor without burning the surface.
• Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F internally, guaranteeing safe cooking while keeping the meat perfectly moist and tender.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Store and Heat Glazed Meatloaf Properly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Great Pairings for Classic Meatloaf Dinners

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its hearty texture and matching its umami profile.
• Create a side of caramelized root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, which echo the sweet-tangy glaze and provide balanced nutrition.
• Prepare smooth, buttery mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic and chives to absorb the meatloaf's delicious glaze and provide a comforting texture contrast.
• Toss a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the meatloaf's richness, creating a well-rounded meal.

Meatloaf Variations That Mix Up the Flavor

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or rolled oats. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lean Protein Variation: Swap ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option. Use extra herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Meatloaf Alternative: Create a plant-based version using lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa as the base. Add nutritional yeast and smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use a sugar-free sweetener in the glaze and increase the fat content with added cheese or bacon.

FAQs About Classic Glazed Meatloaf

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination creates a more flavorful and tender meatloaf. Ground pork adds extra moisture and richness that beef alone can’t provide.

• Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as alternatives. They help bind the meat and keep the meatloaf moist.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160F (71C) to ensure it’s safe to eat and fully cooked throughout.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. These alternatives will still add depth and umami flavor to the meatloaf.

Classic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic glazed meatloaf brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with its savory blend of ground beef, herbs, and sweet glaze. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a memorable meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (80/20)
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground pork

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 375F (190C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix carefully to maintain a tender texture.
3. Gently form the meat mixture into an elongated rectangular shape approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, press the mixture firmly into a loaf pan.
4. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a separate small bowl until the glaze becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Generously coat the meatloaf’s surface with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage. Keep the remaining glaze for subsequent application.
6. Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).
7. During the final 15 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved glaze over the meatloaf to create a rich, caramelized exterior.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender result.
9. Slice the meatloaf and present alongside creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Customize Meat Blend: Swap ground pork for turkey or lamb to create unique flavor profiles and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Prevent Dense Texture: Gently mix ingredients and avoid compacting the meat mixture too tightly when shaping to maintain a light, tender meatloaf.
• Enhance Glaze Options: Experiment with alternative glaze ingredients like sriracha, honey, or balsamic vinegar for exciting taste variations.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate to develop deeper flavors, perfect for busy weeknight meals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg