Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a perfectly baked meatloaf, its savory aroma filling your kitchen and its flavorful glaze adding the perfect touch of tangy sweetness. This easy meatloaf recipe is a time-tested classic, combining tender, juicy meat with a glaze that's simply irresistible.

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I discovered this recipe on a cold evening when I wanted a hearty meal that didn't take hours to prepare. It’s now my go-to dish for family dinners and special occasions, thanks to its simplicity and universal appeal. Ready to learn how to make the best meatloaf ever? Let’s get started.

Why You'll Love This Easy Meatloaf Recipe With the Best Glaze

Get ready to embrace your new favorite comfort food. This meatloaf recipe brings together ease, affordability, and deliciousness in one dish.

First, it's incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a fuss-free homemade meal.

The glaze is a true game-changer. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard, it caramelizes beautifully as the meatloaf bakes, adding a sticky, flavorful finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand, from swapping out breadcrumbs to adding your favorite spices or herbs.

Best of all, it’s budget-friendly. Using ground beef as the star ingredient, you can create a filling, satisfying meal for a fraction of the cost of dining out.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and see what makes this meatloaf so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this meatloaf lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient contributing to its rich, comforting flavor.

Ground beef is the foundation of this dish. For the best texture and flavor, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. The slight amount of fat ensures the meatloaf stays juicy and tender as it cooks.

Breadcrumbs are essential for binding the mixture together. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite because they’re light and absorb moisture well, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine too. For a gluten-free option, consider crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

Eggs act as a binder, holding everything together and giving the meatloaf its signature structure. Don’t skip them, as they’re key to achieving the perfect sliceable consistency.

The glaze is where the magic happens. A simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. You can adjust the mustard to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier kick.

For seasoning, a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the meat's natural flavor without overpowering it. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for a twist.

If you have a meat thermometer on hand, it’s worth using to ensure your meatloaf cooks to the ideal temperature without drying out.

How To Make This Easy Meatloaf Recipe With the Best Glaze

Making this meatloaf is as easy as mixing, shaping, and baking. Follow these steps for a flawless result every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you’re using a loaf pan, grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and your seasonings. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, so stop as soon as the ingredients come together.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on your prepared baking sheet or press it into your loaf pan. The free-form loaf method allows for more glaze coverage, which is always a win in my book.

Prepare the glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes, then remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the juices redistribute, giving you a moist and flavorful result.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.

For refrigeration, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them for up to 4 days. Slices reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven, retaining their moisture and flavor.

To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for easier reheating. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, thaw the meatloaf in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm slices in the microwave for about a minute or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this meatloaf is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking.

For a lighter option, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just note that leaner meats may require a touch of extra moisture, such as an additional egg or splash of milk.

Looking for a flavor boost? Add diced onions, grated carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and sweetness.

You can change up the glaze by using barbecue sauce or a mix of honey and sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy twist.

For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with rolled oats or crushed gluten-free crackers. You won’t even notice the difference.

If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake two loaves side by side. Leftovers make fantastic meatloaf sandwiches the next day.

With its unbeatable flavor and ease, this meatloaf recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table!

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