Simple Meatloaf Recipe With The Tastiest Homemade Glaze

Meatloaf with glaze is a classic comfort dish that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful centerpiece for dinner.

Ground beef is mixed with herbs and seasonings, creating a tender loaf that holds together beautifully.

A sweet and savory glaze coats the top, adding both flavor and shine as it bakes.

The method is straightforward, making it a dependable choice for home cooks of all levels.

Carefully balanced spices bring depth to the meat, while the glaze enhances the overall richness.

The result is a moist, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Meatloaf With The Best Glaze That Impresses

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This meatloaf recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, making it a go-to dish for busy home cooks who want something delicious and satisfying.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexibility with easy ingredient swaps and additions, allowing you to personalize the meatloaf to match your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master Meal Prep: Perfect for make-ahead meals, this meatloaf stores wonderfully in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, providing convenient leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Glaze Game Strong: The sweet and tangy glaze transforms an ordinary meatloaf into a tasty dish, adding a caramelized layer of flavor that makes every bite irresistibly delicious.

What You Need For Meatloaf With Glaze

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful protein that forms the base of the meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a light texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender meatloaf.

• Onion: Adds a subtle sweet and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a tangy and rich umami depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a warm and savory note to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the meat.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A classic combination that creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze to complement the meatloaf’s rich flavor.

How To Bake Meatloaf With Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Eggs
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shape Your Meaty Creation

Mold the mixture into a beautiful loaf shape. Transfer it to a greased loaf pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating the perfect foundation for your meal.

Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Blend until smooth and glossy, creating a sweet and tangy coating that will make your meatloaf sing.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Generously spread half of the glaze over the top of your meatloaf, creating a delectable first layer of flavor.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the meat cook to perfection.

Step 7: Final Glaze and Baking

Pull out the meatloaf and brush on the remaining glaze.

Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes.

This crucial step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and packed with flavor. Slice and serve to hungry and appreciative diners.

Flavor Enhancers For Meatloaf With Glaze

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version and better texture. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf. Break breadcrumbs into smaller pieces to help bind ingredients more evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to help juices redistribute, creating a more moist and flavorful slice.

Variations On Meatloaf With Glaze

• Turkey Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with reduced fat content.
• Veggie-Packed Meatloaf: Add grated carrots, zucchini, or finely chopped spinach to increase nutritional value and moisture.
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and replace ketchup glaze with salsa.

Pairings For Meatloaf With Glaze

• Family Dinner Star: Serve this mouthwatering meatloaf as the centerpiece of a classic family meal with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting dinner that everyone will love.
• Sandwich Sensation: Transform leftover meatloaf slices into delicious cold sandwiches by layering between soft bread with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of tangy mayonnaise for a next-day lunch treat.
• Potluck Perfection: Cut the meatloaf into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer at gatherings, accompanied by toothpicks and extra glaze on the side for dipping, making it a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Best Practices For Storing Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to keep moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze whole or sliced meatloaf in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring airtight seal.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to 165F internal temperature for food safety.

• How can I tell if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) at the center. This guarantees the meat is safely cooked through.

• What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

Substitute with crushed crackers, rolled oats, or panko breadcrumbs. Each option helps bind the meatloaf and adds texture.

• Is it okay to mix the meat mixture with my hands?

Absolutely! Using clean hands helps distribute ingredients evenly and prevents overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough.

Homemade Meatloaf with Glaze Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is a classic baked dish with a sweet-savory finish. Juicy beef and a caramelized topping make it a timeless comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Binding Ingredients:

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

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are just incorporated.
3. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, positioning it in a lightly greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make a smooth glaze.
5. Generously coat the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze, reserving the remaining portion for later application.
6. Bake for 45 minutes so the meatloaf begins to set and develop flavor.
7. Remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (70C), guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
9. After removing from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense texture that can make the meatloaf less tender and enjoyable.
• Opt for lean ground beef around 85% lean to ensure the meatloaf stays moist without becoming greasy or dry.
• Consider adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf extra juicy during baking.
• For gluten-free options, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats to maintain the perfect binding consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg