Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (2024)

Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds so much flavor to the meatloaf. Serve the easy meatloaf withmashed potatoesand a side ofasparagus.

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (1)

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Hey, hey! Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing our Meatloaf recipe.

Meatloaf Recipe:

Ground beef mixed with onion, Panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf. The sweet and tangy glaze adds amazing flavor to this classic meatloaf.

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (2)

Tips on How to Make the BEST Meatloaf:

  • DO NOT OVERMIX which can result in a tough/dense meatloaf
  • Line your loaf pan with parchment paper with edges hanging over the pan for easier removal of meatloaf.
  • Keep the juices from the pan and pour over the sliced meatloaf before serving.
  • Chop the onion finely, allowing it to cook through (or sautee onion before adding)
  • Gently press meat into the pan so it holds its shape.
  • Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (3)

What is the Best Meat for Meatloaf?

You want to use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat. Do not worry about using lean meat – the rest of the ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy. Avoid super lean meats.

Meatloaf Sauce:

This meatloaf sauce is incredible as a glaze for the meatloaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ketchup combined with brown sugar, garlic and onion powder,salt, pepper and vinegar creates an irresistiblesauce. Once baked, the glaze caramelizesand is SO GOOD!

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (4)

Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?

For crispier edges, bake meatloaf on a baking sheet. Out of foil, create a self-made pan with edges to keep the drippings from the meatloaf as it’s baked. Shape meatloaf and place into the foil. Continue with baking instructions. NOTE: Baking time may slightly vary, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (5)

How long to cook Meatloaf?

Cook the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes at 375°F. Add the sauce, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature is 160°F. If using a smaller loaf pan than 9″x5″, increase cooking time.

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (6)

Leftover Meatloaf?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here are some leftover meatloaf ideas (and I’d love to hear your ideas in a comment below):

  • Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches
  • Make Spaghetti Bolognese (just add meat to the sauce!)
  • Beef Tacos– Break up the meat and put it in tacos
  • Quick Beef Chili – just stir, simmer and enjoy!

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf may be frozen before cooking. To freeze, prepare meatloaf per instructions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze.

Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator covered. Continue with baking instructions.

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (7)

More Easy Dinner Recipes to try:

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze

4.99 from 8608 votes

Author: Valentina Ablaev

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (9)

Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy sauce that glazes the meatloaf and adds so much flavor!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Ingredients

Servings: 8 servings

Meatloaf Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 90% lean
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsp ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground paprika

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:

Instructions

Nutrition Per Serving

344kcal Calories18g Carbs24g Protein18g Fat7g Saturated Fat118mg Cholesterol910mg Sodium507mg Potassium11g Sugar410IU Vitamin A4.5mg Vitamin C65mg Calcium3.3mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze

Amount per Serving

Calories

344

% Daily Value*

Fat

18

g

28

%

Saturated Fat

7

g

44

%

Cholesterol

118

mg

39

%

Potassium

507

mg

14

%

Carbohydrates

18

g

6

%

Sugar

11

g

12

%

Protein

24

g

48

%

Vitamin A

410

IU

8

%

Vitamin C

4.5

mg

5

%

Calcium

65

mg

7

%

Iron

3.3

mg

18

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatloaf, meatloaf recipe

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 344

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Valentina Ablaev

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (10)

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to a great meat loaf? ›

A chef's secret trick to making an amazing meatloaf is to use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for a more flavorful and moist texture. Another trick is to use a combination of fresh and dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, to enhance the overall taste.

What can you put on top of meatloaf besides ketchup? ›

Some popular substitutions include:
  1. Barbecue sauce.
  2. Roasted tomato and dried chili sauce.
  3. Sun-Dried tomato sauce.
  4. Mustard and Barbecue sauce.
  5. Coca-Cola and Barbecue sauce.
  6. Honey Barbecue sauce.
  7. Homemade Tomato Sauce.
  8. Tomato Gravy.
Sep 1, 2023

Is it better to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered? ›

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

What is meatloaf sauce made of? ›

This quick and easy glaze is made with just 3 ingredients including BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, and the option of adding a bit more tang, or spice to it. It comes together in minutes and makes an amazing meatloaf topping sauce that'll make you want to lick the spoon!

Why do you put milk in meatloaf? ›

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

What is the basic meatloaf formula? ›

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart? ›

To help your meatloaf stay together add things such as eggs, bread, crushed croutons, oatmeal, crackers, and breadcrumbs, these are all key ingredients that help meat stick together. I hope that this helps to answer your question. What are the secrets to a firm, sliceable meatloaf that slices and won't fall apart?

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in meatloaf? ›

9 Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes That Get the Job Done
  1. DIY Worcestershire Sauce Blend.
  2. Reduced Balsamic Vinegar.
  3. Soy Sauce.
  4. Miso Paste.
  5. Oyster Sauce.
  6. Anchovy Paste.
  7. Red Wine.
  8. A1 Steak Sauce.
Jun 20, 2023

What can I use instead of brown sugar in meatloaf? ›

  1. White sugar plus molasses. A combination of white sugar and molasses is your best bet for a brown sugar substitute, as that's exactly what brown sugar is made of (1). ...
  2. White sugar plus maple syrup. ...
  3. Coconut sugar. ...
  4. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. ...
  5. Raw sugars. ...
  6. Muscovado sugar. ...
  7. Plain white sugar. ...
  8. The bottom line.

Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375? ›

The oven temperature is typically set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That's the temperature you want to be sure to use so the meatloaf cooks and doesn't dry out. Too high, and the outer crust will burn before the interior is cooked all the way, too low and you don't get that delicious crust.

Is it better to bake meatloaf on a sheet pan or loaf pan? ›

When choosing a baking pan, avoid a small loaf pan or baking dish. A tight fit means that the loaf will steam — think school cafeteria meatloaf. Instead, use a sheet pan or a large baking dish and leave some breathing room so the edges will caramelize nicely.

Is it OK if my meatloaf is a little pink? ›

You can determine whether or not it's fully cooked by sticking an internal thermometer into the center of the loaf. If the meatloaf is over 160°F, or 165°F if you used chicken or turkey, it's fully cooked and safe to consume even if it's still pink inside.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of ketchup in my meatloaf? ›

Sure. It won't be have the same sweetness as ketchup but is a good substitute. (Some people prefer it over ketchup.) of course you can, but the result will have a different flavor.

How to make a Bobby Flay meatloaf? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. ...
  3. Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. ...
  4. Whisk together the remaining ketchup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl then brush the mixture over the entire loaf.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Is meatloaf always made with ketchup? ›

A simple brown or onion gravy or a can of cream of mushroom soup can substitute for tomato-based sauce, but the meatloaf is prepared in a similar manner. Barbecue sauce, tomato ketchup, or a mixture of ketchup and prepared mustard may also be used.

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart? ›

When this happens, it's because you didn't use enough. Next time, try adding in an extra egg and/or some more breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rice, barley, corn flakes, crackers, and dried soup mix can also stand in as binding ingredients as well. Including larger quantities of these items should help solve the problem.

How do you keep meatloaf moist when baking? ›

Use Extra Egg: Eggs act as binders and provide moisture. Add one or two eggs per pound of meat for a moist texture. Make Use of Milk: Soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to your mixture. This will keep your meatloaf moist during baking.

What can you put under meatloaf to soak up grease? ›

A neat trick to soak up the grease under your meatloaf is to line the bottom of the pan with bread slices. The bread soaks up the grease as the loaf bakes. When the meatloaf is done, you can either throw out the bread or bake it to make some truly indulgent toast.

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