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Juicy Baked Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze

juicy baked meatloaf with sweet glaze - featured image

A classic, moist meatloaf featuring a tender beef mixture and a caramelized sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. (Optional: Sauté onions in butter until translucent for added sweetness).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  4. Add ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic, and the milk-soaked breadcrumbs to the bowl.
  5. Mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet and shape into a loaf. Ensure ends are slightly thinner than the middle for even cooking.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth.
  8. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven, brush half of the glaze over the top, and return to oven to bake for another 15 minutes.
  10. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes is crucial to retain moisture. If using a baking sheet, fat will drip away, potentially creating a juicier result than a loaf pan. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, baked meatloaf, sweet glaze, ground beef recipe, family dinner, meal prep, comfort food, easy dinner