Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

There's nothing quite like a classic meatloaf to bring a sense of comfort to your dinner table. This easy meatloaf recipe is tender, flavorful, and topped with the most irresistible glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend meal, it’s a dish your family will ask for again and again.

this Recipe

I remember the first time I made this meatloaf—it was on a chilly evening when I wanted something nostalgic and satisfying. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it’s our go-to recipe whenever we crave something cozy yet simple to prepare. Let’s dive into why this meatloaf deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You'll Love This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful and foolproof meatloaf. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a dinner solution you’ll turn to time and time again.

First and foremost, it’s so easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have dinner in the oven in no time. Perfect for busy weekdays when cooking feels like a chore.

The glaze is a showstopper. Made with a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar, it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky topping that complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.

This recipe is also incredibly forgiving. Whether you have ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of both, the end result is always juicy and delicious.

And let’s not forget its crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies, everyone at the table will leave satisfied and happy.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this meatloaf lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one works together to create a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and topped with the perfect glaze.

Ground Meat: The foundation of the meatloaf. I recommend using a mix of ground beef and pork for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken works well too, though the texture will be slightly different.

Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together while keeping it tender. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers will work.

Eggs: Essential for binding the mixture, eggs also add richness to the meatloaf. Make sure they’re fully mixed in to avoid pockets of dryness.

Onions and Garlic: Freshly diced onions and minced garlic bring a savory depth to the meatloaf. Sautéing them briefly before mixing ensures a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

The Glaze: The glaze is the highlight of this recipe. A mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, it’s tangy and sweet, perfectly balancing the rich meatloaf base.

No special equipment is needed! A loaf pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will do the trick.

How To Make This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Creating this flavorful meatloaf is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, sauté your diced onions and minced garlic in a small skillet with a splash of oil until they’re softened and aromatic. Let them cool slightly before adding to the meat mixture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onions and garlic, a splash of milk, and your favorite seasonings. Mix gently but thoroughly—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Press down lightly to ensure it’s even, but don’t pack it too tightly.

Now for the star of the show: the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.

Bake for about 45 minutes, then remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—it’s worth the wait for those perfectly neat slices.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), this meatloaf stores beautifully.

Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice it beforehand to make reheating easier.

Freezing: You can freeze the entire cooked meatloaf or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover the slices with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this meatloaf is one of the reasons I love it so much. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.

Glaze Upgrades: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the glaze for an extra kick.

Herbaceous Touch: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. Mix them into the meat mixture or sprinkle them on top for garnish.

Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the center of the meatloaf for a gooey surprise when you slice into it.

Spice it Up: Mix in a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a smoky, spicy twist.

No matter how you tweak this recipe, the result will be a hearty, delicious meatloaf that’s bound to impress. So go ahead, experiment, and make it your own. Happy cooking!

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