What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? This tangy glazed meatloaf recipe is a homemade favorite, made easy with ketchup and brown sugar, perfect for a quick family dinner, save this idea for your next easy meal.

Tangy Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Tangy Glazed Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup ketchup for the glaze; 2 tbsp brown sugar for the glaze; 2 tbsp vinegar for the glaze

Introduction

This tangy glazed meatloaf recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game without sacrificing ease or flavor. By combining everyday ingredients in a creative way, you can achieve a dish that’s both impressive and deliciously tangy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your taste preferences, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground meat, tangy glaze, and aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this meatloaf is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The tangy glaze adds a professional touch to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties without requiring hours of preparation.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For the glaze, you’ll need ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile, or substituting breadcrumbs with oats or crushed crackers for a gluten-free option.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, chop the onion and prepare any other ingredients that need measuring or mixing.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf shape on a baking sheet. Prepare the glaze by mixing the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze all over the meatloaf, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Step 4: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Handy Tips

Use high-quality ingredients: While this recipe is forgiving, using fresh and high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix: Mixing the meat mixture too much can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is crucial for retaining juices and achieving a tender texture.

Heat Control

For this recipe, it’s essential to maintain an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) for even cooking. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. Signs of doneness also include the meatloaf feeling firm to the touch and the glaze being slightly caramelized.

Crunch Factor

The tangy glaze on this meatloaf should be slightly caramelized and sticky, adding a sweet and tangy crunch to the exterior. To achieve this, make sure to brush the glaze on during the last 20 minutes of baking. The texture of the meatloaf itself should be tender and juicy, not dry or crumbly. Achieving the right texture is largely dependent on not overmixing the meat mixture and cooking the meatloaf to the right internal temperature.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let it rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more tender and juicy.
Don’t overcrowd: If you’re making multiple meatloaves, make sure they have enough space on the baking sheet to cook evenly.

Storage Tips

Leftover storage: Cool the meatloaf to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Slice the meatloaf and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this meatloaf, it’s best to package it after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a decorative tin or basket. You can also include a jar of homemade glaze or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete gift. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with the recipe or cooking instructions for a personal touch.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding different spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to give the meatloaf a unique flavor.
Creative toppings: Top your meatloaf with bacon, chopped onions, or a fried egg for added flavor and texture.
Ingredient swaps: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a combination of the three for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your meatloaf turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing. If it’s too dry, it could be overcooked.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, try substituting it with something similar. For example, you can use honey instead of brown sugar in the glaze.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the internal temperature and the texture of the meatloaf. If it’s undercooked, it will feel soft and squishy. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and hard.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like oats or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This tangy glazed meatloaf recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its easy preparation, impressive presentation, and customizable flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or as a gift for friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and ingredient swaps to make the recipe your own. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and adaptations with us!