Meatloaf Recipe (With The Best Glaze)

I’m not sure anyone knows exactly why, but meatloaf topped with a tomato glaze is an American classic dinner. It became popular in the U.S during the great depression, because it allowed families to stretch their food budget by using inexpensive meat mixed with other ingredients to feed more people with less. 

Meatloaf also exists in some form in many other countries and regions around the world. I believe that meatloaf is therefore the world’s best comfort food dinner recipe. 

For more family dinners using inexpensive ground beef, try my Ground Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles, or Homemade Sloppy Joes.

If you haven’t made meatloaf before, you’ll find that this recipe is super simple, satisfying, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Inexpensive Ingredients: I said it already, but I’ll mention it again: ground beef is an inexpensive protein, particularly when mixed with other less expensive ingredients to make filling, comforting food. The other ingredients in this meatloaf recipe are simple, common kitchen items. 
2. Ketchup Chili Glaze: What’s a good meatloaf recipe without a delicious sweet glaze on top? This one uses ketchup, chili sauce, and flavorings to create the perfect tangy topping. 
3. Family Favorite: After the first time I made this, my family asked me to make it again, week after week. This meatloaf recipe is a keeper!

Key Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

We’re mixing together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

• Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs are my choice here, because they come already seasoned with herbs and parmesan cheese. 
• Milk and Eggs: These add moisture to the breadcrumbs which will help keep the meatloaf from getting dry. 
• Ground Beef: 80/20 beef is perfect for meatloaf. You don’t want to use something that’s too lean, as the fat from the meat keeps things tender and delicious. 
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add tons of flavor, texture, and more moisture. 
• Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, fresh parsley, salt and pepper are added to the meat to season it well and bring out the best possible flavors. 

For the Glaze:

• Ketchup: This is the classic meatloaf topping, but we’re making it even better with some additional ingredients. 
• Chili sauce: Heinz chilli sauce (or a generic equivalent) adds a subtle spiciness and sweetness. It’s worth picking up a couple bottles of this to have on hand for recipes, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with more ketchup, or a spicy tomato-based barbecue sauce. 
• Brown Sugar: this meatloaf glaze is sweet! The brown sugar will help it caramelize as the meatloaf bakes in the oven. 
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt help to balance the sweetness with savory notes. 

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How To Make Meatloaf

I promise that this recipe is way easier than it looks!

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Then line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and spray it with cooking spray. 

1. Moisten Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs with milk and eggs. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes so that the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.

1. Mix Everything Up: Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl, and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

1. Shape: Shape the meat mixture into an 8×4 inch loaf shape, and compress it so that it holds this shape while cooking. You can use a loaf pan if you prefer, but I like the way this cooks on a sheet pan better. 
2. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

1. Make Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. 

1. Brush it on: Use a brush to spread the glaze over the meatloaf after the first baking stage. Bake for 15 minutes more until it’s fully cooked. Use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatloaf is at least 160°F/71°C. 

1. Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. 

Recipe Success Tips

• Meatloaf can be served cold or warm, or at room temperature. It’s a great meal item to make early in the day so it’s ready for dinner. Reheat in a low oven, just until warm. 
• Make a freeform loaf. I started making my meatloaf on a sheet pan rather than in a loaf pan for two reasons. One, I think it cooks faster and more evenly this way. Two, I can put the delicious glaze all over the loaf, rather than just on the top, which gives me crispy, amazing edges. 
• Save Time. To cook it faster, divide the meat mixture into 2 smaller loaves. Cook for 20 minutes before adding the glaze, and then continue cooking until done. 

What To Serve With Meatloaf

Meatloaf is amazing with Mashed Potatoes! In fact, any type of potatoes will work. Try making Twice Baked Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes or Crushed New Potatoes to change things up. 

For a vegetable side dish, go with your family’s favorites. This is after all a comfort food meal, so give them what they love! Steamed green beans or broccoli with butter are simple options. Sauteed Onions and Mushrooms or Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots would both be amazing with meatloaf too. 

Use leftover meatloaf to make meatloaf sandwiches. This is perfect for packing lunches as it’s best enjoyed cold. Use a sturdy bread or roll, topped with thin slices of meatloaf, and finish with mayonnaise, ketchup, or try my Fry Sauce on your meatloaf sandwich.