If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from your oven, look no further than the Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe. This beloved comfort dish brings together juicy ground beef and a perfect blend of seasoning, topped with a sweet and zesty tomato glaze that caramelizes to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this timeless recipe never fails to impress, delivering rich flavors and tender texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe keeps things simple but special by using pantry staples and fresh basics that combine to create a colorful, flavorful, and moist meatloaf. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the breadcrumbs that soak up just the right amount of moisture to the Worcestershire sauce that adds depth.
- Ground beef (80/20): Provides juicy, flavorful base with just enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder to hold the loaf together while keeping it tender.
- Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs, ensuring a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a sturdy yet tender loaf.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds savory sweetness and crunch that brighten each slice.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the meat with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity and a subtle tang.
- Ketchup: Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness to the meat mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- Dried thyme: Offers a mild herbal note that complements the beef beautifully.
- For the glaze: Ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard combine for a shiny, tangy topping that caramelizes wonderfully.
How to Make Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes to soften thoroughly—this step is crucial for a tender meatloaf. Then add the ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so keep it light and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Loaf and Add Glaze
Transfer the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf roughly 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the rustic shape adds to the homestyle charm. Next, whisk together your glaze ingredients—ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard—in a small bowl. Spoon about half of this tangy glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. This glaze is what sets this recipe apart, making it irresistibly delicious.
Step 3: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes at 375°F. After this time, carefully remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top to create a sticky, lush finish. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over your meatloaf adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal aroma that balances the rich tomato glaze perfectly. For an extra touch, a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes or a drizzle of gravy over each slice elevates the comfort factor.
Side Dishes
This Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides help round out the meal by adding texture, freshness, and complementary flavors that make every bite a delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this meatloaf open-faced on toasted bread for a quick sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also crumble leftover meatloaf into scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast twist or stuff slices into slider buns with pickles for an elevated party appetizer. The possibilities with this classic recipe are endless and mouthwatering every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After slicing, place leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days and remains delicious when reheated, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner for busy nights.
Freezing
You can freeze meatloaf in individual slices or as a whole loaf wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven with a covering of foil to keep the meat moist. Adding a little extra glaze or a splash of water before heating helps rejuvenate that classic tangy finish. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this meatloaf?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind it can dry out more easily, so consider adding moisture with a bit of grated Parmesan or extra milk to keep the loaf juicy.
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar are great substitutes that still add depth and a bit of tang to the meat mixture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F, the meatloaf is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. This ensures a moist and tender loaf every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture and flavor will remain wonderfully authentic.
Is there a way to make the glaze less sweet?
Definitely. You can reduce the brown sugar or swap it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness level. Adding a bit more apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard also balances the sweetness with a sharper tang.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy, flavorful experience you can rely on anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. With its perfect balance of juicy meat and that irresistible glaze, it’s sure to become a treasured recipe in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every comforting slice!
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Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze offers a comforting and hearty meal featuring a savory beef mixture complemented by a flavorful, sweet and tangy glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this recipe delivers moist, tender meatloaf with a deliciously sticky topping.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs soften and absorb the milk, which helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: Add the ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Shape and prepare for baking: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide to ensure even cooking.
- Make and apply glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to create the tangy tomato glaze. Spoon about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes in your preheated oven. After 45 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze evenly on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 2 tablespoons sour cream into the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a beef/pork mix for different flavors and textures.
- Leftover meatloaf slices are perfect for making hearty sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
