Simple Meatloaf with Glaze: Pure Joy

There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about a classic meatloaf, isn’t there? It’s pure comfort food that just screams “family dinner.” And the perfect meatloaf with glaze? Oh, it’s a game-changer! For me, cooking has always been about finding that simple joy in creating something delicious, even when life gets crazy busy. I used to think I wasn’t a “kitchen person” at all, but learning to make a simple loaf of bread turned into a passion that now fills my home with amazing aromas. This recipe is all about bringing that same kind of happiness to your dinner table. You can even follow along with more of my kitchen adventures on Facebook!

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf with Glaze

This isn’t just any meatloaf, folks! It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with happy sighs.

• Super Easy: Seriously, it’s hard to mess this one up – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of the savory meatloaf and that sweet, tangy glaze is just heavenly.
• Total Comfort Food: It’s that warm, satisfying hug on a plate that we all crave sometimes.
• Family Favorite: Little hands and big appetites all agree – this one’s a winner!

Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf with Glaze

Alright, friend, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts for our amazing classic meatloaf with glaze. You won’t need anything fancy – just good, honest pantry staples.

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (I like to use 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned work great, whatever you have!)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped (this adds so much flavor!)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (don’t skip this, it’s a flavor booster!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet Tangy Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (packed, so it’s nice and dense!)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this gives it that perfect tangy kick)

How to Make the Best Meatloaf with Glaze

Okay, let’s get this meatloaf party started! Making a really fantastic meatloaf, the kind that’s super tender and just melts in your mouth, is actually really simple. It’s all about a few little tricks, like Alex discovered when he first started finding his kitchen calm. Remember, the goal is pure joy, not stress, so let’s get cooking!

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Mixing the Meatloaf Base

First things first, grab a big bowl! Gently toss in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Now, this is super important: use your hands (clean ones, of course!) and just mix everything until it’s *barely* combined. If you overmix, you’ll end up with a tough meatloaf, and we definitely don’t want that. Think of it like coaxing the ingredients together, not wrestling them!

Forming and Glazing Your Meatloaf

Once everything is just mixed, shape it into a nice loaf shape in your pan or on your baking sheet. Now for that yummy glaze! Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread about half of this mixture all over the top of the uncooked meatloaf. It’ll get nice and caramelized in the oven. We’ll add the rest later!

Baking to Perfection

Pop that beautifully glzed loaf into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake it for about 45 minutes. Then, pull it out and spread the *rest* of that glorious glaze on top. Pop it back in for another 15-20 minutes. The magic number? You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on your trusty thermometer. This ensures it’s cooked through perfectly and super juicy. Let it rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out – it makes all the difference for that tender texture. You can find more easy meatloaf ideas here!

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Tips for a Foolproof Meatloaf with Glaze

Let’s make sure your meatloaf turns out absolutely perfect, every single time! These little tips are my secret weapons for getting that amazing texture and flavor. Don’t worry about it sticking, or getting a dry crust – we’ve got that covered!

For an extra-delicious, slightly crispier edge, try baking your meatloaf directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead of in a pan. It gives that crust a little more love! And speaking of parchment paper, it’s also a lifesaver if you’re using a loaf pan; just line it really well so your masterpiece slides right out. You can find even more ways to make meatloaf shine over here!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Meatloaf

Now for the best part – enjoying this incredible meatloaf! Slice it up thick while it’s still warm and let those amazing juices flow. It’s fantastic with a side of creamy mashed potatoes (seriously, try our garlic mashed potatoes – they’re heaven!) or some perfectly steamed green beans. Leftovers? Oh, they’re a gift! Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days and are perfect for lunches. Cold meatloaf slices are seriously underrated on a sandwich, or you could even chop them up and make quick beef wraps! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use some chopped meatloaf in a quick sloppy joe style filling!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Glaze

Got questions about this classic meatloaf? You’re not alone! Here are some common ones I get:

What makes meatloaf tough?

Oh, this is a big one! Overmixing the meat mixture is the main culprit. Just gentle hands and a light touch are all you need to keep it tender and delicious!

Can I use different types of ground meat?

You sure can! A mix of beef and pork is fantastic, or even ground turkey. Just know that different meats have different fat contents, which can change the flavor and juiciness just a bit.

How can I make the glaze spicier?

Easy peasy! Just add a little pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ketchup mixture. It gives it a nice little kick!

What are good side dishes for meatloaf?

You can’t go wrong with the classics! Think creamy mashed potatoes (you have to try our garlic mashed potatoes!), steamed green beans, or even a simple fresh salad. They all pair beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change based on the exact ingredients you use, especially the fat content in your ground beef! This is for one generous slice of our delicious meatloaf with glaze.

Approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 20g

Share Your Meatloaf Creations!

Have you made this amazing meatloaf with glaze? I would absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Drop a comment below, share your favorite part, or give it a rating. Your feedback truly makes my day and helps others find pure cooking joy too! You can also learn more about my kitchen journey here!

Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Tangy Glaze

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A simple, sliceable meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan or on the baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze.
5. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
8. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist meatloaf.

Notes

• For a crispier exterior, you can bake the meatloaf directly on a baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan.
• Leftover meatloaf is excellent for sandwiches. Slice it cold and enjoy on your favorite bread.
• Consider this recipe as a great base for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for lunches.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg