Print

Juicy Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze: Best Easy Recipe

juicy classic meatloaf with sweet glaze - featured image

A comforting, easy-to-make meatloaf featuring a juicy beef interior and a tangy-sweet caramelized glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (90g) Plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60g) Ketchup (for meat)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté onions in butter until soft and translucent, then let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup ketchup.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the wet mixture and gently mix by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing down firmly and smoothing the top.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze.
  7. Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes is crucial to keep it juicy. For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a low-carb option, omit breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, easy dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, ground beef recipe, sweet glaze, meal prep