There’s nothing quite like a classic American meatloaf when craving a nostalgic comfort food feast.
Our easy glazed meatloaf recipe is simple to make at home, packed with flavour, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that takes this hearty dish to the next level.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this tender meatloaf is certain to become a staple in your kitchen.
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History of American Meatloaf
American meatloaf has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Inspired by European minced meat dishes, particularly German hackbraten and Swedish meatballs, early American meatloaf recipes combined ground meat with bread crumbs or oats to stretch ingredients and make meals more affordable.
By the 1930s, meatloaf had become a staple in American households, especially during the Great Depression, when families relied on inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and pork, eggs, and bread.
Over the decades, meatloaf evolved into a beloved comfort food, with regional variations and family recipes passing down through generations. The addition of sweet or tangy glazes became popular in the mid-20th century, giving meatloaf its signature glossy, caramelized finish.
Today, meatloaf remains a quintessential American dish, enjoyed in homes, diners, and restaurants across the country, celebrated for its versatility, affordability, and satisfying flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful: The combination of buttermilk-soaked bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Sweet and tangy glaze: Adds a perfect finishing touch that elevates every bite.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Versatile leftovers: Sliced meatloaf works perfectly for sandwiches or quick reheated meals.
How to Make Glazed Meatloaf
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, bread crumbs soaked in milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and spices. Mix gently to combine.
- Shape and bake: Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan. Bake until nearly cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Finish baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven until the glaze is caramelized and the meatloaf is cooked through. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Tips For The Best Glazed Meatloaf
- Use a meat combination: mixing together ground beef and pork (and sometimes veal) gives the meatloaf structure and flavourful fat.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat can make the meatloaf dense.
- Use fresh spices: Smoked paprika and thyme add a depth of flavour that elevates the dish.
- Dairy: we like to use buttermilk for its tang and acid that helps soften the meat so it’s tender but you can substitute for regular milk.
- Glaze generously: The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes in the oven, giving the meatloaf its signature glossy finish.
- Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing ensures juicy, intact slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic dinner: Serve slices with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
- Meatloaf sandwiches: Place cold or warm slices on bread with extra glaze for a tasty lunch.
- With roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Over rice or pasta: Serve meatloaf slices on a bed of rice or pasta with extra glaze as a comforting twist.
Glazed Meatloaf
Equipment
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- French knife
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 0.5 lb Lean Ground Pork
- 1 cup Spanish Cooking Onion chopped
- 1 tsp Canola Oil
- 2 Large Eggs
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 4 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/3 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Glaze
- 3/4 cup Ketchup
- 1 1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
Garnish
- 1 tbsp Chives chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil and chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined.
- Add meat to the pan and shape it into a meatloaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
- Spread the sauce over the Meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F. Rest the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve slices of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped chives.
- To bake in a loaf pan: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal. Gently press your meat mixture into your loaf pan and bake following the same instructions, but increase the temperature to 375 F.
Nutrition
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