Juicy & Robust: The Best Hearty Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort creeps onto dinner plates with this classic glazed meatloaf recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Juicy ground beef mingles with savory herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering main course.

Every slice carries deep, rich flavors that dance between sweet and tangy.

The homemade glaze adds a perfect caramelized exterior that seals in moisture and intensifies taste.

Tender and packed with robust ingredients, this meatloaf transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each flavorful bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

Glazed Meatloaf Ingredient Favorites

• Ground Beef: Core protein source that provides rich, hearty flavor and classic meatloaf texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and depth to the meat mixture, creating a more complex taste profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and prevents it from becoming too dense or dry.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds tenderness to the meat mixture.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder, helping to keep the meatloaf compact and moist.

• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: Provides intense, savory undertones that complement the meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and tangy complexity to the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of herbal notes that elevate the meatloaf's taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the meat's natural flavors.

• Ketchup: Serves as a sweet and tangy base for the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps create a glossy exterior.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, slightly spicy kick to the glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness.

Tools for Mixing and Glazing Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet or loaf pan: Needed to shape and cook the meatloaf evenly.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the glaze mixture.
• Pastry brush: Used to apply glaze smoothly over the meatloaf.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing the meatloaf after resting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.

How to Make a Meatloaf That’s Never Dry

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get a baking sheet ready with a light coating of grease.

• Mix the Meat Magic

In a big bowl, blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to keep things light and fluffy.

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Mold the meat mixture into a hearty loaf on the baking sheet, aiming for about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.

• Whip Up the Glaze Sensation

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until silky smooth.

• Glaze and Bake

Brush half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F. Splash the remaining glaze on top during the last 15 minutes.

• Rest and Feast

Let the meatloaf chill for 10 minutes after baking. This helps lock in all those amazing juices. Slice and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad.

Glaze Ideas for Sweet or Tangy Finishes

• Let your ground meats sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure even blending and prevent tough texture.
• Replace half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still maintains great flavor and juiciness.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Finely grate carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture to add extra nutrients, moisture, and hidden vegetables for picky eaters.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or herbs de Provence to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the basic recipe structure intact.

How to Slice and Serve Meatloaf Neatly

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nostalgic dinner experience.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Create a delightful side spread with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add color and nutrition to your plate.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches the next day by adding crisp lettuce, tangy mustard, and placing between soft artisan bread for a quick lunch.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve on a large platter with extra glaze on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle additional sauce according to their taste preferences and creating an interactive dining moment.

Store Glazed Meatloaf the Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
• Slice cooled meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated slices in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes or in oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
• Prepare meatloaf mixture ahead of time, store in sealed container in refrigerator for 24 hours before baking, saving precious cooking time during busy weekdays.

Hearty Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary charm in this classic glazed meatloaf, a hearty dish that whispers nostalgic home cooking. Rich beef and savory seasonings blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 lb ground pork (or use all beef)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Blend Mixture: Thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
2. Form Loaf: Mold the meat mixture into an elongated shape approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet or press into a prepared loaf pan.
3. Craft Glaze: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
4. Initial Glazing: Generously brush half of the prepared glaze across the meatloaf’s surface, creating an even, glistening coating.
5. Roast and Finish: Place the meatloaf in a preheated 375F (190C) oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160F (71C). During the final 15 minutes, apply the remaining glaze for a caramelized exterior.
6. Rest and Present: Allow the meatloaf to settle for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling juices to redistribute. Slice and serve alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Mix ingredients gently and briefly to avoid compacting the meat, which can create a tough, dense meatloaf.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Apply glaze in layers for a caramelized, glossy exterior that adds depth of flavor and attractive appearance.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg