Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze

This Meatloaf with the Best Glaze is a family favorite—a deliciously tender and flavorful dish with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze. The meatloaf itself is moist, thanks to a combination of ground beef, milk, eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs, while the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients (Servings: 8)

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground paprika

Meatloaf Sauce (Glaze) Ingredients:

• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
• Add the eggs, ketchup, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings—salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
• Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix everything until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

2. Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:

• Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down lightly to shape it into an even loaf.
• Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.

3. Prepare the Glaze:

• While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.

4. Add the Glaze and Finish Baking:

• After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
• Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F.

5. Let It Rest and Serve:

• Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and ensuring each bite is juicy.
• Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

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Tips for the Best Meatloaf:

• Choose the Right Beef: Ground beef that is 85% to 90% lean strikes the perfect balance between flavor and moisture. Using meat that is too lean can make the meatloaf dry, while higher fat content may result in a greasy loaf.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf.
• Use Panko for a Light Texture: Panko breadcrumbs help give the meatloaf a light, tender texture. If using regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.
• Make it Your Own: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. For a spicy twist, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

This meatloaf is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, offering both classic comfort and a flavor-packed glaze that will leave everyone asking for seconds!