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Meatloaf Glaze
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Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Sweet Glaze

This classic homemade meatloaf is tender, juicy, and finished with a glossy sweet-and-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Made with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, it’s a comforting family dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Rest Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meatloaf
Servings: 8
Calories: 430kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef preferably 80/20
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • For the Glaze
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
  • Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 9 × 5 inches and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  • Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  • Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
  • Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Don't overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef: The extra fat helps create a juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
  • Glaze twice: Adding glaze before and near the end of baking creates a richer, caramelized topping.
  • Check the temperature: Ground beef meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together better. 

Nutrition 

  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Potassium: 520 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Calcium: 75 mg
  • Iron: 4 mg