The Best Glazed Meatloaf Recipe: Easy & Flavor-Packed Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering meatloaf with the best glaze can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this classic dish.

Juicy ground beef meets a perfect blend of seasonings and herbs.

Families have cherished this recipe for generations, passing down their secret techniques.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious.

Lean meat, fresh breadcrumbs, and a tangy-sweet glaze will make you the star of dinnertime.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and start cooking right away.

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 165F (74C) for food safety.

• Is it possible to make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in milk and eggs, which help keep the meat moist. Also, avoid overmixing the meat and don’t overcook it. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness.

Why This Meatloaf Stands Out

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Meatloaf brings nostalgic home-cooked vibes that remind everyone of family dinners, making it a heartwarming meal that connects generations.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Mixing ingredients takes just minutes, with simple pantry staples and no complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious dinner without stress.
• Customizable Crowd-Solver: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding extra herbs, or creating different glazes to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ingredients combined with a single pan and straightforward cooking method make this meatloaf an economical dinner option that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Meatloaf with Glaze

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

• Onion, Garlic Powder: Provide depth of savory flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that adds a delicious caramelized coating to the meatloaf.

Step-by-Step Meatloaf Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for your meaty masterpiece.

Step 2: Create The Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a unified mixture.

Step 3: Shape The Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, gently molding it into a classic loaf shape with your hands.

Step 4: Craft The Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Mix until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Spread half of your delicious glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 7: Final Glaze And Baking

Pull out the meatloaf and slather the remaining glaze over the top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 8: Check For Doneness

Ensure the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Moist Meatloaf and Glaze

• Use your hands to mix the meat mixture gently but completely, ensuring even distribution of seasonings without overworking the meat.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160F for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Add milk and eggs to keep the meat mixture moist and tender, creating a juicy texture throughout the loaf.
• Apply the sweet and tangy glaze in two stages for a caramelized, flavorful exterior that enhances the overall taste.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

Flavor Variations for Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, add mushrooms for texture, and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a plant-based version.
• Turkey Meatloaf Light: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey, use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition, and keep the same glaze recipe.
• Gluten-Free Herb Meatloaf: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and maintain the original glaze for flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Substitute breadcrumbs with riced cauliflower, use ground beef or ground chicken, and reduce brown sugar in the glaze for a keto-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Meatloaf

• Rustic Family Dinner Plating: Slice meatloaf into thick, hearty portions and arrange on a warm ceramic platter surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and green beans.
• Comfort Food Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious glaze and complement the rich meat flavors.
• Weekend Leftover Magic: Transform extra slices into delectable sandwiches by adding crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a touch of mayonnaise between soft bread for a next-day lunch treat.
• Game Night Appetizer Twist: Cut cooled meatloaf into bite-sized cubes, skewer with toothpicks, and drizzle remaining glaze for an easy finger food perfect for casual gatherings.

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

• Store meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place meatloaf in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic meatloaf delights home cooks with its hearty blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings. Tangy ketchup glaze crowns this comforting dish, inviting families to savor each delicious bite together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Binding Ingredients:

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

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup

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Instructions

1. Prepare a loaf pan and set the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough and even blending.
3. Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, carefully shaping it into a uniform loaf without compressing the meat too tightly.
4. Craft the glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Apply the first layer of glaze generously across the surface of the raw meatloaf, covering it completely for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook and develop initial caramelization.
7. Remove the meatloaf and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top, creating a second layer of sweet and tangy coating.
8. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the juices and makes slicing easier.
10. Slice and serve the meatloaf warm, enjoying the rich flavor and glossy glaze.

Notes

• Customize the meatloaf by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutrition and create extra moisture in the meatloaf.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance flavor by incorporating herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or dried Italian seasoning into the meat mixture for more depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 437
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg