The Best Glazed Meatloaf Recipe: Easy & Flavorful Family Favorite

Crafting the perfect meatloaf with a seriously delicious glaze can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal.

Comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than this classic dish.

Home cooks everywhere appreciate straightforward recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Juicy ground beef mixed with simple seasonings creates a hearty centerpiece for any table.

Families love how quickly this meal comes together, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp salad.

A sweet and tangy glaze adds an irresistible layer of excitement to every slice.

Jump into this foolproof recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Meatloaf with the Best Glaze That Impresses

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Homemade meatloaf transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will adore.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors and simple preparation, this recipe welcomes cooks of all skill levels to create a hearty dinner.
• Zero-Fuss Cooking: Minimal kitchen equipment and straightforward mixing make this meatloaf a stress-free option for busy households craving a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Meatloaf with Glaze

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich foundation for the classic meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and create a tender texture.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and savory notes to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: These seasonings provide a rich and complex flavor profile.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a delicious caramelized topping for the meatloaf.

How to Cook Meatloaf with Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Blend these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Gently form the meat mixture into a rustic loaf shape.

Transfer the loaf to your prepared baking surface, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Create the Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar

Spread half of this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: First Baking Session

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Apply Final Glaze

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the surface.

Step 7: Complete the Cooking

Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. The meatloaf is ready when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Tips to Elevate Meatloaf Glaze

• Ensure meat mixture isn't overmixed to keep the texture tender and prevent a tough meatloaf.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for a balanced flavor without excess grease.
• Allow meatloaf to rest after baking so juices redistribute, creating a more moist and flavorful slice.
• Experiment with breadcrumb alternatives like crushed crackers or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.

Flavorful Swaps for Meatloaf with Glaze

• Turkey Meatloaf Variation: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat protein option that maintains delicious flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf Variation: Swap ground meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa, using flax eggs as a binding agent for a plant-based alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Meatloaf Variation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour, eliminate sugar in glaze, and use low-carb ketchup to create a low-carbohydrate version suitable for ketogenic diets.
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf Variation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring the recipe remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

What Pairs Well with Glazed Meatloaf

• Classic Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty meatloaf as the star of a comforting family meal, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a balanced, satisfying plate.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Slice the meatloaf into neat portions and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an easy-to-share appetizer that will be a hit at gatherings and community events.
• Leftover Lunch Delight: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches with fresh bread, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of tangy mustard for a quick and tasty next-day meal.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Cut into thick slices and pack in a cooler for an outdoor meal that travels well and provides a protein-packed lunch during park outings or beach trips.

Keeping Meatloaf with Glaze Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store meatloaf slices or whole loaf in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months by wrapping it securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer bag.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so the meatloaf might be slightly drier. Consider adding an extra egg or a bit more milk to maintain moisture.

• How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and ensure you use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders. Don’t overmix the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help it hold its shape when slicing.

• What can I do if I don't have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works fine as a substitute. If you want a similar smoky flavor, you can use a tiny amount of chipotle powder or liquid smoke. Alternatively, you can simply omit the spice.

Top Meatloaf Recipe With Mouthwatering Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Classic meatloaf with tangy glaze delivers comfort and nostalgia in one hearty dish. Home cooks appreciate this simple yet satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Binders and Moisture:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 grams) breadcrumbs

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and set up a baking surface with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Create a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Generously coat the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring complete surface coverage.
6. Roast the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove from the oven and apply the remaining glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Ensure even cooking by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, preventing dryness or undercooking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Enhance moisture by adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots, which also boost nutritional value and keep the meatloaf tender.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 383
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg