Okay, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about classic glazed meatloaf. Oh, this recipe… it’s more than just ground beef and breadcrumbs, you know? It’s a memory, a hug on a plate, a weeknight savior. I remember the first time I made this classic glazed meatloaf. It was a total disaster! I forgot the egg, and it crumbled into a hot mess. But hey, we live and learn, right?

This classic glazed meatloaf recipe has become a staple in our house. With three kids running around, I need something that’s both easy and satisfying. This classic glazed meatloaf ticks all the boxes, and even the pickiest eaters in my family gobble it right up. It is one of the easy meatloaf recipe options I have come across and have tweaked to make our own.

It all started when my grandmother gave me her traditional meatloaf recipe, scribbled on a worn-out index card. I’ve tweaked it over the years, adding my own little touches, and this classic glazed meatloaf is the result. What started as a simple family recipe has become a beloved dish that I now share with you.

Life is busy, and we don’t always have time to slave away in the kitchen. But this classic glazed meatloaf is so simple to throw together, even on those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling homework, sports practice, and everything else life throws your way. It really is the best meatloaf glaze recipe I have tasted and the family agrees.

Trust me, once you try this classic glazed meatloaf, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and a surefire way to bring the whole family together around the dinner table. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic glazed meatloaf.

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2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar

I always use lean ground beef meatloaf. It keeps the classic glazed meatloaf from being too greasy. But really, any ground beef will do. The Ground Beef is a great source for nutritional information regarding ground beef, its nutritional content, and different types available.

When making classic glazed meatloaf, I always try to buy my onions and garlic from the local farmer’s market. They just have so much more flavor! I learned this classic glazed meatloaf trick from my mom: soak your breadcrumbs in the milk for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture. It helps keep the classic glazed meatloaf nice and moist.

For busy families making classic glazed meatloaf, you can totally chop the onion and garlic the night before and store them in the fridge. It saves a few precious minutes when you’re rushing to get dinner on the table. To save a bit on the classic glazed meatloaf ingredients, I buy ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it.

Leftover classic glazed meatloaf ingredients, like the chopped onion and garlic, can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for a few days. That way, you’re ready to go the next time you want to whip up this easy meatloaf recipe.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this classic glazed meatloaf!

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First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a meatloaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I prefer the pan because it gives the classic glazed meatloaf a nice shape.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together. Don’t overmix, or the classic glazed meatloaf will be tough.
Shape the ground beef meatloaf mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if your classic glazed meatloaf looks a little rough around the edges – it’ll all come together in the oven.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This is our best meatloaf glaze!
Spread half of the best meatloaf glaze over the top of the classic glazed meatloaf. Save the rest for later. I learned the hard way with classic glazed meatloaf that if you put all the best meatloaf glaze on at once, it burns!
Bake the classic glazed meatloaf for 60 minutes. In my kitchen, classic glazed meatloaf usually takes about an hour, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it.
Remove the classic glazed meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining best meatloaf glaze over the top.
Return the classic glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Let the classic glazed meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful classic glazed meatloaf.

While the classic glazed meatloaf is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some veggies. Your classic glazed meatloaf should smell like savory ground beef, sweet best meatloaf glaze, and pure comfort. It really is a homemade meatloaf recipe that brings back childhood memories. My top tip is to add in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so the classic glazed meatloaf is out of the oven, smelling amazing, and you’re ready to eat. Now what?

The kids love our classic glazed meatloaf when I serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. I also like to make a big batch of gravy to go with it.

I often serve the classic glazed meatloaf with a side of roasted vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and they complement the savory classic glazed meatloaf perfectly. The Mayo Clinic: Healthy Eating has some great information on healthy eating options, including incorporating a variety of vegetables into your diet.

This classic glazed meatloaf is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for potlucks and casual gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For presentation, I like to slice the classic glazed meatloaf and arrange it on a platter with a sprig of fresh parsley. It just makes it look a little more fancy.

If you have extra classic glazed meatloaf, it makes amazing sandwiches! Just slice it thinly and pile it on some toasted bread with your favorite toppings. I have even tried adding the classic glazed meatloaf to a pasta bake which was an unexpected success.

In the fall, I like to add a little pumpkin puree to the classic glazed meatloaf mixture. It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of autumnal flavor. My friends always ask for this classic glazed meatloaf recipe, especially after I started adding the pumpkin!

FAQs

I always get a few questions about making classic glazed meatloaf, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.

Q: My classic glazed meatloaf is dry. What am I doing wrong?

A: You know what I do when my classic glazed meatloaf is dry? I add more milk to the mixture. You might also be overbaking it. Make sure you’re not cooking it for too long, and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Q: Can I freeze classic glazed meatloaf?

A: Absolutely! Classic glazed meatloaf freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in this classic glazed meatloaf recipe?

A: If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked rice. I’ve even used crushed potato chips in a pinch (don’t judge!).

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this classic glazed meatloaf recipe?

A: Yes, you can! Just be aware that ground turkey meatloaf and chicken tend to be drier than ground beef, so you might need to add a little extra milk or moisture to the mixture.

Q: My classic glazed meatloaf falls apart when I slice it. How can I prevent this?

A: This usually happens when the classic glazed meatloaf hasn’t had enough time to rest after baking. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing, and it will hold together much better.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this classic glazed meatloaf recipe?

A: Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the classic glazed meatloaf mixture. Diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers are all great additions. I have also added some chopped spinach and it was fantastic.

Q: How can I make my best meatloaf glaze taste better?

A: I experimented with the best meatloaf glaze for a while. I added a dash of mustard and a little bit of hot sauce which worked great. Try adding different flavours to suit your tastes.

My Final Thoughts

This classic glazed meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to my family, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of good food. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that everyone in my family enjoys, from my picky toddler to my meat-loving husband. It really is the best way to enjoy a homemade meatloaf recipe.

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Here are some classic glazed meatloaf Pro Tips:

Pro Tip 1: Don’t overmix the meat! Overmixing will result in a tough classic glazed meatloaf. Mix just until everything is combined.
Pro Tip 2: Let the classic glazed meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful classic glazed meatloaf.
Pro Tip 3: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the ground beef meatloaf mixture.

Over the years, I’ve tried several variations of this classic glazed meatloaf recipe.

My husband loves it with a spicy best meatloaf glaze made with sriracha and brown sugar.
The kids prefer it with a simple ketchup glaze and a side of mac and cheese.
I like to add a layer of mashed potatoes on top before baking for a complete one-dish meal.

No matter how you make it, I hope this classic glazed meatloaf becomes a favorite in your house too. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this traditional meatloaf recipe. You could also try this recipe: Classic Cherry Delight Recipe

I hope you find as much joy in making this classic glazed meatloaf as I do. Happy cooking! Don’t forget that this is the perfect easy meatloaf recipe for your next family dinner! I am sure it will become a firm family favourite.