Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

Try Our Savory Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe Today

Comfort food takes on a whole new dimension with this mouthwatering meatloaf glaze recipe that promises to elevate every bite.

Rich, tangy flavors blend seamlessly to create a remarkable coating that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Juicy ground beef meets its perfect companion in this irresistible glaze.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to deliver maximum taste and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how simple yet stunning this recipe can be when prepared with love and attention.

the secret lies in balancing sweet, savory, and zesty notes that dance across your palate.

Prepare to savor every single slice of this classic dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Meatloaf Recipe
  • The combination of savory meat and sweet-tangy glaze creates a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, making dinnertime a breeze.
  • Enjoy this meatloaf as a hearty main course that pairs perfectly with various sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, offering flexibility for different tastes and preferences.
  • Easily prepare this dish ahead of time, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make it an ideal option for weekly meal planning and busy households.

Ingredients for Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze

Main Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the base of the meatloaf and provides rich, meaty flavor.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Milk: Work together to help bind the meatloaf and create a tender, cohesive texture.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory notes to the meatloaf base.
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh herbal undertone to the meat mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Ketchup, Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add additional layers of flavor to the glaze.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal of the meatloaf from the pan.

Steps for Making the Best Glazed Meatloaf

Steps for Making the Best Glazed Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over sides for easy removal.

Warm up the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Create Meat Mixture

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Ground beef
  • Diced onion
  • Eggs
  • Minced garlic
  • Ketchup
  • Chopped parsley
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients using hands until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.

Step 3: Form And Initial Bake

Transfer meat mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly without compressing too tightly.

Slide into preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up Glaze

Whisk together in separate bowl:
  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Glaze And Complete Cooking

Remove meatloaf from oven after initial baking.

Generously brush glaze across entire surface.

Return to oven and continue baking 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

This crucial step helps juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender result.

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Meatloaf

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Meatloaf
  • Mix meatloaf ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a light, tender consistency.
  • Brush glaze evenly in the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning and create a beautiful caramelized top.
  • Let the meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a succulent final dish.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
  • Line the loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for simple lifting and clean removal of the meatloaf.

Reheat and Store Glazed Meatloaf the Right Way

  • Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Slice meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slice in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

What Pairs Well with Sweet Glazed Meatloaf

  • Pair with Classic Comfort Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans create the ultimate homestyle dinner that hugs your taste buds and complements the meatloaf's rich flavors.
  • Match with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon to cut through the meatloaf's savory glaze and enhance its meaty depth.
  • Select Zesty Condiment Companions: Tangy horseradish sauce or bright, acidic coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, sweet-and-savory meatloaf, balancing each bite.
  • Complement with Crisp Beer: A cold amber ale or robust lager offers a perfect carbonated counterpoint to the dense meat, cleansing the palate between flavorful mouthfuls.

Unique Takes on Classic Glazed Meatloaf

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains similar flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute meat with plant-based ground alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, binding with eggs or flax eggs for a hearty vegetarian meatloaf.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a sugar-free sweetener in the glaze to create a keto-friendly version.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this meatloaf?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.

  • Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients and provide texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute.

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

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F for food safety. The meat should no longer be pink in the center.

  • Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

You can mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape it in the pan up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked meatloaf for up to a month.

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Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

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

Description

Hearty Classic Meatloaf brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, delivering rich savory flavors with a perfectly caramelized glaze. Homemade goodness fills your plate with nostalgic warmth, inviting you to savor each satisfying bite of this timeless family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef (85-90% lean)
  • 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) ketchup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lining a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend over sides for effortless removal. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, eggs, crushed garlic, ketchup, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings. Gently fold ingredients together using hands until just incorporated, avoiding excessive mixing to prevent dense texture.
  3. Transfer meat mixture into prepared pan, smoothing surface evenly and ensuring gentle compression to maintain light consistency.
  4. Place meatloaf in preheated oven and roast uncovered for 40 minutes.
  5. Simultaneously, craft glaze by whisking ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl until thoroughly blended.
  6. After initial baking period, remove meatloaf and generously coat top with prepared glaze, spreading evenly across surface.
  7. Return to oven and continue cooking for additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F when tested with meat thermometer.
  8. Once cooking completes, remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes. This crucial step enables juice redistribution, guaranteeing tender, succulent meat when sliced.

Notes

  • Gently combine ingredients with hands to prevent a tough, dense texture, ensuring a light and tender meatloaf.
  • Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and moisture, preventing a dry final dish.
  • Adjust glaze sweetness by balancing brown sugar and vinegar to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prepare meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight cooking easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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