Simple Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze
This simple meatloaf recipe is an American classic comfort food that’s delicious. With the addition of the best glaze recipe ever, this meatloaf can’t be beat!
I love making meatloaf for a few reasons: one, it’s an American classic I enjoy; two, it’s very simple to make; and three, leftovers taste even better.
My husband is a stickler for good meatloaf and he approved of this recipe and the glaze, because the glaze is equally as important as the meatloaf. Just like frosting on a cake, the glaze has to stand out and make each bite that much more satisfying!
This post is about how to make a simple meatloaf recipe.
Simple Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze Ever
What do I need to make the best meatloaf recipe?
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Ground beef: This sets the base of the meatloaf. Preferably an 80/20 fat ratio.
- Onion: Onion adds amazing flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the meatloaf.
- Garlic: Creates a deeper flavor profile.
- Ketchup: Adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf juicy.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds flavor and a touch of brightness.
- Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf.
- Milk: Counters the breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Oregano: Adds flavor and in my opinion is the best herb to use in a meatloaf in terms of flavor.
- Glaze Ingredients:
- Ketchup: This sets up the base for the glaze.
- White Vinegar: Adds a tartness to the glaze and balances the sweetness of the ketchup and sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to counter the tartness of the vinegar.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for the flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: Essential for the flavor profile.
How do I make meatloaf?
To start, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Grate the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your ingredients.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, and bread crumbs.
- Gently combine the onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs, without mixing it into the meat just yet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the rest of the meatloaf ingredients including the eggs, ketchup, parsley, milk, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add the mixture to the meat and mix it all together with your hands until it’s incorporated. Note: Do not overwork the meat. Just mix until it’s all combined.
Now it’s time to prepare the baking vessel for the meatloaf by spraying it with non-stick spray.
You have two options here: You can use a 9×5 loaf pan or you can use a shallow-rimmed baking pan. I prefer the baking pan option because the loaf pan option traps all of the liquid and tends to make the meatloaf very soft and breakable once it’s ready to serve. I also like how the sides brown in a baking pan.
Form a log shape with the meat and set it on the baking pan. It will keep its shape during the cooking process. Bake for 40 minutes.
As the meatloaf is cooking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix all of the glaze ingredients together.
Take out the meatloaf after 40 minutes and gently slather on the glaze. It may seem like a lot but once it bakes, the amount becomes just right.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This gives the glaze enough time to get nice and sticky.
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving platter.
How do I store meatloaf?
You can store meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you would like to freeze it, cut the meatloaf into slices and separate or wrap each slice with wax paper for easy reheating in the microwave. Or, wrap each slice with aluminum foil for easy reheating in the oven at 200°F for 15-25 minutes or until warmed through.
What can I serve alongside meatloaf?
This meatloaf tastes great on its own or with these sides:
- Yummy, Fluffy and Easy Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Oh So Good Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Parmesan Herb Oven Baked Potato Wedges
- Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy:
- The Best Simple Meatball Recipe
- Comforting Beef CrockPot Stew Recipe
- Tasty and Easy Chicken Stew Recipe
- Seriously Easy Meat Sauce Recipe
- Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna With White Sauce
🖤 Let me know in the comments if you plan on making this or if you did. I love hearing from you!
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🖤 Thank you for visiting and happy cooking! 🙂
This post was about how to make a simple meatloaf recipe.
Simple Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium onion grated
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef. Then add the grated onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Gently combine the onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs, without mixing it into the meat just yet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the rest of the meatloaf ingredients including the eggs, ketchup, parsley, milk, salt, pepper, and oregano.Add the mixture to the meat and mix it all together with your hands until it's incorporated. Note: Do not overwork the meat - just mix until it's all combined.
- Spray a low rimmed baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.Form a log shape with the meat mixture and set it on the baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes.
- As the meatloaf is cooking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix all of the glaze ingredients together. Take out the meatloaf after 40 minutes and gently slather on the glaze.Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This gives the glaze enough time to get nice and sticky.
- The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. Enjoy!
Just like how mom used to make it but dare I say, even better! That glaze is bomb. This is my family’s new go-to meatloaf recipe!
Thank you for the kind words, Brenda!
Best meatloaf recipe by far.
Thank you, Jake!