A timeless comfort food, classic glazed meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This recipe features a savory beef mixture seasoned to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this meatloaf delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free meal.
- Packed with flavor – A perfect blend of seasonings and a rich glaze make this meatloaf incredibly tasty.
- Moist and tender – No dry meatloaf here; this recipe stays juicy thanks to the right mix of ingredients.
- Great for leftovers – Slice it up for sandwiches or reheat for another meal.
- Family favorite – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.
- Shape the meatloaf – Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the glaze – In a small bowl, mix ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Turkey Meatloaf – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra savory bite.
- BBQ Glaze – Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave slices for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs to hold it together.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it when you’re ready.
What’s the best meat to use for meatloaf?
A mix of 80/20 ground beef works best, balancing flavor and moisture.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a mix of meats all work well.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Overmixing or using lean meat can lead to dryness. Stick to 80/20 beef and mix gently.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Rolled oats, crushed crackers, or panko make great substitutes.
How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) at the center.
Can I add vegetables to my meatloaf?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms add flavor and moisture.
Should I cover meatloaf while baking?
Not necessary, but you can loosely cover it with foil if it browns too quickly.
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad make great side dishes.
Conclusion
Classic glazed meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy texture, delicious glaze, and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe the whole family will love. Whether you follow the classic version or try one of the tasty variations, this meatloaf will become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
PrintClassic Glazed Meatloaf
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Glazed Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s the ultimate comfort food! Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, this meatloaf is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
-
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
- Add the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Mix gently until combined (do not overmix, or the meatloaf will be tough).
-
Shape & Bake:
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
-
Make the Glaze:
- While the meatloaf bakes, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
-
Glaze & Finish Baking:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
Rest & Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes!
Notes
- For Extra Moisture: Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Serving Idea: Use leftover slices for meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
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