Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Homemade Glaze

The Best Meatloaf Recipe…. A Comfort Food Classic with a Tangy Glaze! Are you in search of the perfect balance between juicy, moist meatloaf and a sweet, tangy glaze that will have your whole family craving seconds? Look no further! Our easy meatloaf recipe is the go-to solution for your cravings for this timeless comfort food.

Classic Meatloaf

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you the best way to prepare this traditional meatloaf recipe. With simple ingredients like lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and garlic powder, you’ll achieve the perfect meat mixture that makes this meatloaf fall into the category of amazing homemade meatloaf recipes.

Meatloaf Recipe Glaze Topping

• 1/2 cup katsup (or chili sauce)
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons cider vinegar

Ingredients

You can make this meatloaf with or without the bacon wrapped around it. If you do not use bacon, use glaze before cooking and reapply after baking for 45 minutes. If you do wrap your meatloaf with bacon, just serve the glaze separately along with meatloaf.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped small
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoons garlic powder.
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (or use the classic combination of 1 pound ground beef with 1/2 a pound of ground pork & half a pound of ground turkey or ground veal.)
• 2/3 Italian bread crumbs, or crushed saltine crackers.
• *optional – 1 pound of bacon for wrapping the meatloaf!

How to Make Easy Meatloaf Recipe

To ensure a moist meatloaf, we combine ground beef with crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs) and eggs, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. The result is a meatloaf mixture that’s easy to shape into a perfect loaf on your prepared baking pan or roasting rack.

1. Defrost frozen ground beef

2. Make the glaze by combining the ketchup, and brown sugar in a small bowl, and set aside.

3.In a medium skillet add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic and sauté about 5 minutes till softened…. The set it aside to cool.

4. In a medium bowl, add the eggs, thyme, sage, onion powder, salt, pepper, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, 2 pound of thawed ground beef, bread crumbs, herbs, cooked onion and cooked garlic.

5. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to mix till well blended.

6. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf shape.

7. Prep a roasting pan with a roasting rack, or butter a 9×5 loaf pan.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

*Optional – If you are wrapping it in bacon, lay out your bacon slices, place the raw meat loaf in the middle and wrap the bacon slices around it…. TIP: it’s best to have the bacon slices go the same direction you’ll slice the meat loaf!

8. Place meat mixture into the loaf pan, or on the roasting rack in the roasting pan.

9. Bake for 30 minutes, then brush the loaf with half the glaze mixture.

10. Bake Meatloaf for about 15 more minutes, then brush it with glaze again.

12. Bake for another 15 minutes or till internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. 

13. Rest meatloaf – Let your Meatloaf cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, so juices redistribute before slicing it for a juicy meatloaf! 

 Enjoy!

Classic Meatloaf Recipe Card

If you try this recipe, I’d really appreciate a star rating or a review on the recipe card… Thank you so much!

Serve With

Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic companion to meatloaf. The rich and buttery texture of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf perfectly.

Scalloped Potatoes – If you want to switch things up from traditional mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes are a delightful alternative. The creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes provide a luxurious contrast to the meatloaf.

Green Goddess Salad – A fresh green salad with a simple dressing can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf. Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for extra freshness.

Sourdough Rolls – Soft buttery rolls are a family favorite at any meal!

Candied Yams – Need I say  more?

Green Bean Casserole! – Green beans are a great choice for a delicious and colorful side dish. Their crisp texture and vibrant flavor balance the richness of the meatloaf.

Fermented Red Sauerkraut – The rich color and texture of fermented red sauerkraut pairs perfectly with the flavors of this meatloaf! 

Corn on the Cob – Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a favorite side for many. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with the flavors of meatloaf.

Storing and Using Leftover Meatloaf Recipe

Whether you serve it the same day with mashed potatoes and green beans or savor it as leftover meatloaf the next day, this recipe is designed for the whole family to enjoy. Store any extras in an airtight container, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready for the next 3-4 days.

Reheating

There are several great options for reheating your leftover meatloaf. One simple way is to use the microwave, covering the slices with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 275-300 degrees F, until they reach your desired temperature. For extra flavor, you can even add a splash of chicken stock to the dish before reheating.

Freezing

If you anticipate having more leftovers than you can enjoy within a few days, consider freezing your meatloaf slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. Properly stored, frozen meatloaf can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

Meatloaf Recipe Tips

Opt for lean ground beef to keep your meatloaf on the healthier side. Ground beef with around 85% lean meat and 15% fat is a good choice. You can also use ground turkey or a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor.

Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the meatloaf mixture helps enhance their flavors. It also prevents the meatloaf from having a strong raw onion or garlic taste.

You can use either crushed saltine crackers, quick oats, or bread crumbs as a binding agent. The choice is a matter of personal preference, and all options work well. Panko breadcrumbs are another great choice for a lighter texture.

The tangy glaze made from brown sugar, and ketchup is what gives this meatloaf its signature flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds a delightful sweet and savory contrast.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Overcooking can lead to a dry meatloaf, so monitor it closely.

Resting Time

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

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