Easy Meatloaf Recipe With The Best Glaze Recipe

Hey there, home chef! Are you craving a classic comfort food that'll have your family asking for seconds? Meatloaf isn't just another dinner—it's a culinary canvas waiting for your personal touch. This recipe isn't just about mixing ground beef; it's about creating a masterpiece that balances savory meat with a knockout glaze that'll transform your ordinary weeknight meal into something memorable. Want to learn how to make a meatloaf that'll become your new go-to recipe? Keep reading, and I'll show you how.

Recipe Highlights

• Simple meatloaf requires 2 pounds ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, and basic seasonings, mixed gently and shaped into a classic loaf.
• Create a delicious glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for approximately 1 hour, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Brush additional glaze during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor and create a rich, glossy exterior on the meatloaf.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest 10-15 minutes after baking to retain moisture, then slice and serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

History

Although meatloaf might seem like a quintessential American dish, its origins stretch back much further than most people realize.

European immigrants brought meat-stretching recipes from their homelands, transforming leftover meats into economical, hearty meals. In medieval Europe, you'd find early versions of ground meat dishes that resembled modern meatloaf, often using breadcrumbs and local seasonings to create filling family meals.

The Great Depression solidified meatloaf's place in American cuisine, when resourceful home cooks needed affordable protein options. Ground meat mixed with fillers like breadcrumbs allowed families to create substantial meals with limited resources.

Recipe

Meatloaf has long been a staple of home cooking, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table. This timeless dish combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a perfectly balanced glaze that creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

The beauty of meatloaf lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, home cooks can create a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both nostalgic and completely satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Prepare the meatloaf by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Transfer the mixture to a 9×5 inch loaf pan, shaping it into a compact loaf.

Spread the ketchup evenly across the top of the meatloaf, creating a smooth, even glaze. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The ketchup will caramelize, creating a delicious sweet and tangy crust.

For the best results, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and holds together well.

If the mixture seems too wet during preparation, gradually add more breadcrumbs to achieve the ideal consistency, and don't be afraid to adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by thoroughly mixing your ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and diced onion in a large bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

Next, shape the meat mixture into a classic loaf form and transfer it to a 9×5 inch loaf pan, carefully spreading ketchup across the top for that signature caramelized glaze.

Bake the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven for about an hour, checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, and then allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep those delicious juices locked in.

Step 1. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly

Grab a large mixing bowl and prepare to combine your meatloaf ingredients with precision.

You'll want to start by breaking up the ground beef, ensuring no large clumps remain, which can create uneven texture.

Gently fold in breadcrumbs, creating a light, airy mixture that won't become dense or tough.

Crack the eggs directly into the bowl, whisking them slightly before incorporating them into the meat.

• Dice the onion finely to distribute flavor evenly
• Mix ingredients using your hands for best integration
• Work quickly but carefully to prevent overworking the meat

The key is to blend everything until just combined – overmixing can make your meatloaf tough and compact.

Aim for a consistent texture that holds together when shaped, but remains tender and light.

Step 2. Shape Meat Mixture

With careful hands and culinary precision, transfer the seasoned meat mixture onto a clean work surface or directly into your 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Gently shape the mixture into a uniform loaf, ensuring even thickness throughout. Use light, firm motions to compact the meat, preventing air pockets that could cause crumbling during baking.

Key shaping techniques include:

• Maintain a smooth, rounded top
• Keep sides compact and symmetrical
• Aim for approximately 2-3 inches in height
• Create gentle slopes at the edges

Press the mixture firmly but not aggressively, allowing natural cohesion between ingredients.

If using a loaf pan, press the meat evenly into corners and edges.

For free-form shaping on a baking sheet, create a slightly domed structure that allows even heat distribution and caramelization of the glaze.

Step 3. Spread Ketchup on Top

Since a perfectly glazed meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal, spreading ketchup across the top requires careful attention to detail.

You'll want to use a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the ketchup, ensuring complete coverage of the meat's surface.

• Aim for a thin, uniform layer
• Ensure no bare spots remain
• Spread from edge to edge of the loaf

The key is creating a consistent glaze that will caramelize beautifully during baking. Start at the center and gently push the ketchup outward, using smooth, sweeping motions.

Don't press too hard; you're aiming for a delicate coating that'll develop a rich, slightly sticky exterior when cooked.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce into your ketchup before spreading.

Step 4. Bake in Preheated Oven

After evenly spreading the ketchup glaze across your meatloaf, you'll move directly into the baking phase.

Place your prepared loaf pan in a preheated 350°F oven, ensuring an even, consistent temperature. The goal is achieving a perfectly cooked meatloaf with a caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You'll want the center to reach 160°F, which guarantees safe consumption and optimal doneness.

Watch for visual cues: the top should turn a rich, deep brown, and the edges will start to pull slightly away from the pan's sides.

Pro tips:

• Use an instant-read thermometer for precision
• Rotate the pan halfway through cooking
• Allow 10 minutes of resting time post-baking

Step 5. Let Rest Before Serving

Key resting tips:

• Remove the meatloaf from the oven
• Transfer to a cutting board
• Cover loosely with aluminum foil
• Wait exactly 10 minutes before slicing

The resting phase allows proteins to relax, preventing the meat from crumbling when cut.

By giving your meatloaf this short break, you'll guarantee perfectly cohesive slices that hold together beautifully.

Your patience will be rewarded with a more flavorful, juicy dining experience that'll impress family and guests alike.

Final Thoughts

Although meatloaf might seem like a simple dish, mastering its preparation can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable family dinner. You'll find that practice makes perfect, and each time you make this recipe, you'll develop more confidence in your cooking skills. The key is paying attention to meat consistency, moisture levels, and proper baking temperature.

Your homemade meatloaf can become a weekly favorite by experimenting with different mix-ins like:

• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Herbs like parsley or thyme
• Worcestershire sauce

Don't be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your family's tastes. Remember that ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) ensures a juicier, more flavorful result.

With time and practice, you'll create a meatloaf that becomes a cherished family tradition.