This home-style glazed meatloaf is a comforting and hearty meal that combines the best of savory beef with a touch of sweet glaze. The slightly caramelized top from the brown sugar and ketchup mixture adds a perfect balance to the richness of the meat. It’s a timeless dish that’s not only easy to prepare but is also versatile. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this meatloaf is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup bread crumbs
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1/4 cup onion, chopped
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon mustard
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
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In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Home-Style Glazed Meatloaf: A Timeless Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stand the test of time like the classic home-style glazed meatloaf. This recipe offers a flavorful combination of savory beef and a sweet, tangy glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, meatloaf is a dish that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. This version, with its tender texture and glossy glaze, offers the best of both worlds – traditional and modern.
A Brief History of Meatloaf
Meatloaf has been a staple in American homes for generations. Originally born out of necessity during the Great Depression, when meat was often scarce and expensive, meatloaf allowed families to stretch their budget by mixing ground meat with fillers like bread crumbs and vegetables. Over time, this humble dish evolved into a beloved comfort food. The glaze that tops the meatloaf in this recipe is inspired by the classic combination of ketchup and brown sugar, adding both sweetness and a touch of tanginess.
Meatloaf’s history is a reflection of both frugality and creativity in the kitchen. It’s a dish that can be customized based on what ingredients you have at hand. Over the years, it has transitioned from a budget-friendly meal to a dinner centerpiece in many households, often made for family dinners, holiday meals, or even as a meal prep option for the week.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are countless variations of meatloaf out there, but what sets this particular recipe apart is its balance of flavor and texture. The combination of ground beef with the right proportion of bread crumbs, milk, and egg creates a moist and tender loaf that holds together perfectly without being too dense. The glaze, which is made from simple ingredients like ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, adds a delicious sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Another reason this meatloaf recipe stands out is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal tastes. If you prefer leaner meat, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken. The glaze can also be customized with different types of mustard or a splash of hot sauce for an added kick. Whether you’re a fan of a savory, tangy, or slightly spicy glaze, this recipe can be modified to match your preferences.
Health Benefits of Meatloaf
While meatloaf may not be considered a “health food” by traditional standards, it offers some nutritional benefits. The main ingredient, ground beef, provides a good source of protein, essential amino acids, and iron, which are all important for muscle building, red blood cell production, and overall energy. Additionally, beef is rich in vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy nerve and red blood cells.
This meatloaf recipe also benefits from the use of bread crumbs and milk, which provide extra texture and moisture. The brown sugar glaze, while adding sweetness, is also a good source of minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, especially if you choose an unrefined variety. If you’re looking to increase the nutritional profile, adding some finely grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach can add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish without sacrificing flavor.
A Perfect Meal for All Occasions
This home-style glazed meatloaf is perfect for any meal, whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet filling, hearty yet flavorful. When served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, this meatloaf can easily be turned into a complete, balanced meal.
Meatloaf also makes for a great comfort food to serve on those cooler nights when all you crave is a warm, filling dish. The glaze adds a depth of flavor that not only enhances the beef but also complements whatever sides you choose to serve it with. What’s more, leftovers can be easily turned into sandwiches, giving you a delicious meal the next day.
The Secret to a Perfectly Glazed Meatloaf
The secret to a perfect meatloaf lies in both the preparation and the baking process. First, be sure to mix the meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings thoroughly. You don’t want any pockets of seasoning or ingredients – it should be well distributed throughout the meat mixture.
The glaze is where this recipe really shines. The brown sugar combined with ketchup and mustard creates a smooth, sticky glaze that caramelizes while baking, forming a sweet, slightly tangy topping. This glaze adds both flavor and moisture to the meatloaf, making it both juicy and flavorful without being greasy. Be sure to baste the meatloaf with the glaze halfway through the cooking time to allow the glaze to coat the entire surface and create that perfect sticky finish.
How to Serve and Enjoy
Once your home-style glazed meatloaf is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful. For a traditional presentation, serve your meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans or a simple salad. You can also pair it with a rich gravy or a tangy mustard sauce for added flavor.
If you’re hosting a dinner, consider serving the meatloaf as the main dish with side dishes like roasted garlic potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a side of coleslaw. It’s an easy dish to prepare for larger groups, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The leftovers also make for an easy meal the next day – simply serve them on a bun for a delicious meatloaf sandwich.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One of the best things about meatloaf is that it stores well for leftovers. After cooking, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven to restore the texture.
For those who like to meal prep, meatloaf freezes well. Simply slice the meatloaf, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven. This makes for a great, quick meal during busy weeks, and it holds its flavor even after freezing.
Conclusion
This home-style glazed meatloaf recipe is the perfect example of a classic dish that never goes out of style. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and simple ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion – from a cozy family dinner to a meal-prep favorite. Its versatility allows for easy customization, while its comforting flavors evoke a sense of home and warmth. Whether you stick to the classic glaze or add your own twist, this meatloaf will undoubtedly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, next time you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious dinner, reach for this home-style glazed meatloaf recipe – it’s a dish that will keep your family coming back for seconds.