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
Scale
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
