Classic Meatloaf Magic: Sweet & Tangy Glazed Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic meatloaf recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest dinner cravings.

Every bite of this meatloaf delivers rich, savory flavors that bring warmth to the table.

Ground beef blends perfectly with simple ingredients, creating a hearty meal everyone will love.

The sweet and tangy glaze adds an irresistible layer of deliciousness that transforms an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.

Onions, breadcrumbs, and herbs mingle together, creating a tender and juicy texture that melts in your mouth.

This recipe cuts through complicated cooking techniques, offering a straightforward approach to a timeless dinner favorite.

Serve this meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Keeping Meatloaf Fresh And Ready To Enjoy Again

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Drizzle extra glaze to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add small splash of broth to keep meat juicy.

What Goes Well With Classic Tangy Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, savory meatloaf and cuts through its hearty texture.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip up smooth, buttery potatoes as the perfect side dish that absorbs the sweet and tangy glaze while providing a comforting texture contrast.
• Brighten with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the meatloaf's richness, balancing the meal's heavy flavors.
• Complement with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor that harmonizes with the meatloaf's glaze.

Tasty Meatloaf Variations With Sweet Glaze

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with riced cauliflower and use almond flour as a binding agent. Perfect for keto dieters seeking a protein-packed meal with reduced carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ideal for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Vegetarian Lentil Meatloaf: Substitute ground meat with cooked lentils, adding extra herbs and nutritional yeast for depth of flavor. Bind ingredients with flax eggs and breadcrumbs for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, and Greek herbs into the meat mixture. Top with a tzatziki-style sauce for a refreshing Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why use breadcrumbs in meatloaf?

Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry and crumbly. They create a lighter texture and help the meat hold its shape.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the fat content is similar to maintain moisture and flavor.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is safely cooked through. The center should be no longer pink.

• What makes the glaze special?

The glaze combines sweet and tangy flavors from ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, creating a delicious caramelized top that adds extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back To This Classic Meatloaf

• Delivers nostalgic, hearty flavors that bring families together around the dinner table with its familiar and satisfying taste.
• Combines simple ingredients in one bowl, allowing you to mix, glaze, and bake with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
• Works brilliantly as a weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or weekend family meal that everyone will love and devour.

What You’ll Need For Sweet And Tangy Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that forms the hearty foundation of this traditional comfort dish.

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

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a rich, deep flavor base for the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: These condiments add sweet, tangy, and umami notes to the meat mixture.
• Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Fresh and dried herbs contribute a layer of herbal complexity to the dish.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A combination that creates a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes during baking.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics to develop their flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal of the meatloaf from the pan.

How To Make Classic Meatloaf With Tangy Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing extra hanging on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Sauté diced onions for 3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Combine Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Cooled onion mixture

Gently mix all ingredients in a large bowl using hands or fork.

Be careful not to overmix, which can create a dense texture.

Step 4: Form and Glaze Meatloaf

Press meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Prepare the glaze and spread it across the surface of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place meatloaf in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The internal temperature should reach 160°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking.

This helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.

Cut into thick slices and serve hot.

Smart Tips For Better Meatloaf Results

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf light and tender.
• Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the mixture to develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing juicy and safe-to-eat meatloaf.
• Spread the sweet and tangy glaze evenly for a beautiful caramelized top that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper overhanging the edges, making it simple to lift out the meatloaf without breaking.

Best Classic Meatloaf With A Sweet And Tangy Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty meatloaf promises comfort and flavor in every savory slice, blending classic American cuisine with irresistible home-style charm. Juicy ground beef meets a caramelized glaze, inviting you to savor a timeless dinner that warms both plate and heart.

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Ingredients

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Meatloaf Ingredients:

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (85%-90%)
• 2 large eggs

Primary Binders and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3/4 cup (67.5 g) breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sweet Glaze Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (177 ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for effortless removal.
2. Create flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, then incorporate minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant. Allow mixture to cool completely.
3. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Italian seasoning, and cooled onion-garlic mixture in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently integrate ingredients using hands, taking care not to overwork the meat, which could result in a dense texture.
4. Transfer meat mixture into prepared loaf pan, carefully pressing and smoothing the surface for uniform distribution. Prepare glaze by blending ingredients and generously spread across meatloaf’s top surface.
5. Position loaf pan in preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety and optimal doneness.
6. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and facilitating cleaner, more precise slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a lighter, more complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe suitable for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
• Keep the meatloaf extra moist by adding a small amount of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms into the meat mixture, which also boosts nutritional value.
• Create a make-ahead friendly version by preparing the meatloaf mixture and glaze separately, then refrigerating overnight before baking for deeper, more developed flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg