Juicy Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Tender cuts of meat merge with a tangy balsamic glazed meatloaf that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Rich, savory aromas will fill your kitchen as this classic comfort dish takes shape.

Combining ground beef with carefully selected herbs and spices creates a mouthwatering main course.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Each slice promises a delectable balance of sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Hearty and satisfying, this meatloaf brings warmth to the dinner table with its robust flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 6

Meatloaf Ingredients That Shine with Balsamic Glaze

• Ground Beef: Lean cuts provide a rich, hearty foundation with less grease and more flavor.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and depth to the meatloaf's texture, creating a more luxurious bite.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat together and creates a tender, light interior.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder and adds richness to the meatloaf's structure.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright note and vibrant green color to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and creates a complex flavor profile.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Delivers a tangy, slightly sweet reduction that caramelizes beautifully.
• Ketchup: Offers a classic, slightly sweet base for the glaze with deep tomato notes.
• Brown Sugar: Helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior with subtle sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and complex savory undertones.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the meatloaf.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a gentle, warming heat to the meat mixture.

Tools That Make This Glazed Meatloaf a Breeze

• Large mixing bowl: Roomy vessel for combining meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp chef's knife: For precise vegetable chopping and ingredient preparation.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for ingredient prep.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Whisk: Blending glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Loaf pan or baking sheet: Creates perfect meatloaf shape and catches drippings.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Aluminum foil: Optional covering to prevent excessive browning.

How to Bake a Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf to Perfection

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the temperature to a toasty 375°F, letting your kitchen warm up for the delicious magic about to happen.

• Prepare the Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Mix the Meatloaf Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, and herbs. Use your hands to blend everything together until just combined – don’t overmix!

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Form the meat mixture into a beautiful loaf shape, ensuring it’s compact but not too dense. Place it right in the center of your prepared baking sheet.

• Create the Balsamic Glaze

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.

• Dress and Bake

Pour the balsamic glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf, making sure it’s evenly coated. Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

• Cook to Perfection

Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The glaze will caramelize beautifully, creating a mouth-watering crust.

• Rest and Serve

Pull the meatloaf out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly tender and flavorful.

Side Dish Ideas That Pair With Meatloaf

• Add a splash of milk or beef broth to your ground meat mixture to keep the meatloaf incredibly juicy and prevent dryness during baking.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and making weeknight dinners easier.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option while maintaining the delicious balsamic glaze flavor profile.
• Finely dice carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini and mix into the meat mixture to increase nutritional value and add extra moisture and texture to your meatloaf.

How to Slice and Serve This Flavor-Packed Loaf

• Hearty Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this mouthwatering meatloaf as the star of your family meal, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Leftover Lunch Delight: Transform cold slices into gourmet sandwiches by layering thin meatloaf cuts on crusty bread with crisp lettuce, tangy mayo, and a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for added zest.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Slice the meatloaf carefully and arrange on a rustic wooden board, garnish with fresh herb sprigs like parsley or thyme, and offer additional warm balsamic glaze on the side for guests to enjoy.
• Comfort Food Makeover: Pair the meatloaf with a light mixed green salad and roasted garlic green beans to balance the rich flavors and create a well-rounded meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Storing Meatloaf So It Doesn’t Dry Out

• Slice the meatloaf into individual servings and wrap each portion in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers for quick future meals. This technique helps maintain moisture and allows easy single-serving reheating.
• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always keep the slices in a single layer to prevent crushing or moisture buildup that could compromise texture.
• Freeze unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then placing inside a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
• Warm refrigerated meatloaf slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore crispness by placing in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a tablespoon of beef broth to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness during reheating.

Succulent Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory balsamic glazed meatloaf delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food. Juicy beef wrapped in tangy glaze promises a delightful dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
• ½ lb (227 g) ground pork (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easy meatloaf release.
2. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, diced onions, herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.
3. Shaping: Form the meat mixture into a compact loaf, maintaining a uniform shape that allows for even cooking and optimal moisture retention.
4. Initial Glaze Application: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, tangy glaze. Brush half of the glaze over the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Baking: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 45-50 minutes, allowing the meat to develop a deep, caramelized exterior while maintaining internal juiciness.
6. Final Glazing: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, apply the remaining balsamic glaze, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that intensifies the meatloaf’s overall taste profile.
7. Resting: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender, cohesive texture when sliced.
8. Serving: Slice the meatloaf into generous portions, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Mix ground meats gently to prevent tough, dense texture; overmixing compresses proteins and creates a dense, dry meatloaf.
• Brush balsamic glaze multiple times during baking for deeper flavor penetration and caramelized exterior with rich, tangy notes.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160F for safe consumption while maintaining juicy, tender meat consistency.
• Allow meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, enabling juices to redistribute and making slicing cleaner and more manageable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg