Glazed Meatloaf Recipe That Will Wow Your Family
Meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and second helpings. This glazed meatloaf recipe elevates the traditional dish with rich seasoning and a sticky, tangy glaze that caramelizes to perfection. It’s easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and makes for an impressive meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or using the leftovers in sandwiches, this meatloaf is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best glazed meatloaf from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for heat
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form meatloaf.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Shape and Transfer
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it to your prepared pan or sheet. Smooth the top with a spatula or your hands.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and optional hot sauce. Spread half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes for cleaner slices.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or oven at 300°F until heated through.
Variations
1. Cheesy Meatloaf
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the meat mixture for extra richness.
2. Turkey Meatloaf
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version. Add an extra 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
3. BBQ Glazed
Replace ketchup in the glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
4. Veggie-Boosted
Add 1/2 cup grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mix for extra nutrition and moisture.
5. Bacon-Wrapped
Wrap the loaf in bacon before baking for added flavor and a crisp exterior.
What to Serve with Glazed Meatloaf
Here are a few classic and modern side dish options:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted garlic green beans
- Buttery corn on the cob
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baked sweet potatoes
Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Use a thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F without overcooking.
- Resting the meatloaf is crucial to help lock in moisture and improve slicing.
- Baking free-form on a sheet allows for a caramelized exterior all around.
- For binding, breadcrumbs or soaked bread are essential—don’t skip them.
- Worcestershire, Dijon, and Parmesan all enhance umami flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
Calories: 410
Protein: 27g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing in the oven.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
Use eggs and breadcrumbs as binding agents, and allow it to rest before slicing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, or torn bread soaked in milk are great alternatives.
Meal Prep & Leftovers
This recipe is great for weekly meal prep. Use leftovers in:
- Meatloaf sandwiches
- Crumbled over salads
- Mixed into pasta sauces
- Stuffed in wraps or tortillas
Final Thoughts
This glazed meatloaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Juicy, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the delicious variations, it’s a recipe worth repeating.
