Meatloaf with The Best Glaze
This recipe combines a flavorful meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze that will leave you wanting seconds.
Ingredients:
-
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Make the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, parsley, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
- Brush the top of the meatloaf generously with half of the glaze. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and thickened. Brush with the remaining glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra glossy finish (optional).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Wet your hands slightly before forming the meatloaf to prevent sticking.
- To test if the meatloaf is cooked through, insert a thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- You can customize the glaze to your liking. For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of honey or molasses.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting meatloaf recipe with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.