The Juiciest Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Ever

Crafting a meatloaf with the absolute best glaze recipe turns ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

Comfort food reaches new heights when you combine ground beef, seasonings, and a tangy, sweet topping that makes taste buds dance.

Each bite promises rich, hearty flavors that warm the soul and satisfy deep hunger.

Classic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

The magic happens when simple pantry staples transform into a culinary masterpiece that everyone will crave.

Rich, savory aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling a meal worth celebrating.

Meatloaf Variations Worth Trying

• Veggie-Packed Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with a mix of ground turkey and finely chopped mushrooms for a lighter, vegetable-rich version.
• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano to the meat mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and replace ketchup glaze with a chipotle-based sauce for a zesty kick.

Best Ways to Plate Your Meatloaf

• Classic Family Dinner Plate: Pair the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a traditional, comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Hearty Sandwich Style: Slice the cooled meatloaf and create delicious sandwiches on toasted bread with a slice of melted cheese and extra glaze as a spread.
• Leftover Remix: Crumble cold meatloaf over a fresh salad or mix into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast that transforms your original dinner into a completely new meal.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve thin slices of meatloaf alongside sunny-side-up eggs and crispy hash browns for a weekend brunch that elevates the classic comfort food.

Storage Tips for Meatloaf Leftovers

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice meatloaf and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring it's completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual slices on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, and add a splash of beef broth to keep meat juicy.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so the meatloaf might be slightly less moist.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Using eggs and breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture together, creating a more cohesive loaf.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or skip it entirely. The sauce adds depth of flavor, but the meatloaf will still taste good without it.

• Is it okay to use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Fresh breadcrumbs work well and can make the meatloaf even more tender. Just ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Why This Meatloaf Glaze Wins Hearts

• Whip Up Comfort: Classic meatloaf delivers heartwarming nostalgia with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for those craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Create Family-Pleasing Dinner: Crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a delicious protein-packed meal everyone will enjoy without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding herbs, switching meat blends, or adjusting glaze ingredients to suit individual taste preferences.

Ingredient List for Easy Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the base of this classic comfort dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds a light texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and rich umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that adds moisture and caramelized flavor to the meatloaf.
• Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender during cooking.

Steps to Make Moist Meatloaf with Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your loaf pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatloaf Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Gently blend everything together.

Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf will turn tough.

Step 3: Shape The Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan.

Sculpt it into a beautiful loaf shape, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Create Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Spread half of this delicious glaze across the top of your meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, then pull it out and drizzle the remaining glaze over the top.

Return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Check And Rest

Ensure the internal temperature hits 160°F using a meat thermometer.

Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This helps the juices redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and delicious meal.

Top Tips for the Juiciest Meatloaf

• Add milk or grated onion to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat to maintain a soft, delicate consistency.
• Brush glaze in two stages for a rich, caramelized coating that enhances overall flavor and appearance.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal preparation.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Meatloaf glides from classic kitchen comfort to modern dinner delight, bringing generations of flavor together. Savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned and crowned with a sticky-sweet glaze, promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 2 eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
2. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding excessive mixing.
3. Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, molding it into a uniform loaf shape with gentle pressure.
4. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a separate bowl. Generously brush half of the glaze across the top of the raw meatloaf.
5. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then remove and apply the remaining glaze evenly over the surface.
6. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest and settle for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
8. Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve while warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Keep meat mixture loose when mixing to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance moisture and prevent greasiness.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Enhance flavor by adding grated Parmesan or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg