Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze

 

Classic Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze: Comfort Food at Its Finest

By [Author's Name]

There are few meals more comforting and nostalgic than a slice of homemade meatloaf, served warm from the oven with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans on the side. It’s the kind of dish that brings you back to Sunday dinners at grandma’s house—simple, hearty, and made with love.

But what takes this classic comfort food from “good” to unforgettable? The glaze.

This meatloaf recipe with the best glaze combines juicy, tender ground beef with savory seasonings, all topped off with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s that perfect bite of salty and sweet, soft and crisp, comforting and craveable.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for an easy, make-ahead dinner that warms the soul, this meatloaf recipe belongs in your weekly rotation.

---

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean works well)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften—this keeps the meatloaf tender.

3. Mix the Meatloaf:

Add the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or it can become dense.

4. Shape the Loaf:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or shape it into a free-form loaf on a lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly for even cooking.

5. Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake:

Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Rest and Serve:

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the loaf intact when cutting.

---

🥔 What to Serve with Meatloaf

• Mashed potatoes with gravy or garlic butter

• Green beans, roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli

• Buttered corn or sweet peas

• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

---

💡 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the soak: Letting the breadcrumbs soak in milk creates a tender, moist texture.

• Customize the flavor: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the glaze.

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and bake when ready.

• Freeze leftovers: Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Slice and store for easy meal prep!

---

📝 Final Thoughts

This classic meatloaf with the best glaze is everything a comfort food should be—familiar, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s at the family dinner table or a casual weeknight meal.

So, if you’ve been searching for a meatloaf recipe that’s foolproof, full of flavor, and topped with a glaze that people will talk about for days… you just found it.