Meatloaf Recipe: Classic Comfort with Tangy Glaze

Introduction

Meatloaf is a quintessential American comfort food, featuring a savory blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, baked into a hearty loaf and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. A staple in home kitchens, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, offering rich flavors with minimal effort. Its versatility allows for variations with different meats or add-ins, appealing to cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic meatloaf, customizable for dietary needs, ideal served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 lb ground pork (or more beef)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick.

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Optional: 1/4 tsp hot sauce.

For Serving:

• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Suggested Sides: Mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan for a shaped loaf (or use the baking sheet for a free-form loaf).
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 5 minutes. Add egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion, optional bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional paprika or cayenne. Mix until blended.
3. Add Meat: Add ground beef and pork to the bowl. Gently mix with hands or a spatula until just combined (do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf).
4. Shape Loaf: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9×5-inch loaf, or pack into the loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and optional hot sauce. Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf.
6. Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Spread remaining glaze over the loaf halfway through baking (about 30 minutes in). If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Slice into 8 pieces, garnish with optional parsley, and serve hot with suggested sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tips for Better Meatloaf

• Use a mix of beef and pork for flavor and texture; leaner meats can make a drier loaf.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the loaf tender and juicy.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk for a softer texture; this prevents a crumbly loaf.
• Check internal temperature to avoid overcooking; 160°F is ideal for beef and pork.
• Let the loaf rest before slicing to redistribute juices and prevent crumbling.
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; oven times vary.
• Shape free-form on a baking sheet for a crustier exterior, or use a loaf pan for a uniform shape.
• Double the glaze for extra tanginess; brush on generously for a sticky finish.

Variations and Customization

• Turkey Meatloaf: Replace beef and pork with 2 lbs of ground turkey; add 1 tbsp olive oil for moisture.
• BBQ Meatloaf: Swap ketchup glaze for 1/2 cup BBQ sauce mixed with 1 tbsp honey.
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Vegetarian Meatloaf: Use 2 lbs of plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of milk.
• Spicy Meatloaf: Add 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1 tbsp diced jalapeño to the meat mixture.
• Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture.
• Mushroom Meatloaf: Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms and add to the meat mixture.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the loaf with 6-8 bacon strips before baking for smoky flavor.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave with a splash of broth to keep moist.
• Freeze whole or sliced, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Serve with classic sides like macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
• Use leftovers in sandwiches with mayo and lettuce or crumble into a pasta sauce.
• Keep warm in a 200°F oven if serving in batches.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Pair with a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a cold root beer for a nostalgic meal.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1 slice each, without optional add-ins):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 24g
• Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
• Calcium: 6% Daily Value
• Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in protein but moderate in fat and sodium. For dietary needs, try vegetarian or gluten-free variations. Its hearty nature makes it a filling main.

Conclusion

This meatloaf recipe delivers a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Its simple preparation and bold flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The savory meat and tangy glaze create a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. This recipe is sure to become a go-to, cherished for its ease and nostalgic taste.

Meatloaf Recipe: Classic Comfort with Tangy Glaze

Classic meatloaf with a savory beef-pork blend and tangy ketchup glaze, ideal for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Resting 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings 7

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup onion finely chopped
• ½ cup green bell pepper finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
• Glaze:
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Optional: 1/4 tsp hot sauce
• For Serving:
• Optional: Chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F; line a baking sheet or grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
• Mix breadcrumbs with milk; add egg, Worcestershire, onion, optional bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional paprika.
• Add beef and pork; gently mix until combined. Shape into a loaf on the sheet or pack into the pan.
• Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and optional hot sauce; spread half over loaf.
• Bake 60-75 minutes until 160°F; add remaining glaze halfway. Rest 10 minutes.
• Slice and serve with optional parsley; pair with mashed potatoes or green beans.

Notes

• Don’t overmix for a tender loaf.
• Use a thermometer for doneness.
• Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.