Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf recipe combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed onion, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs, then bakes it under a tangy brown-sugar ketchup glaze. Letting the loaf rest before slicing helps it hold together. For another dinner built around meatloaf, try this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole.

How to Make Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (85{c3709242858ea63f6f518f0e60e34661b2045d832188e8006804732198b61355} or 80{c3709242858ea63f6f518f0e60e34661b2045d832188e8006804732198b61355} lean*)
• 1 medium onion (1 cup), finely chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tsp of olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and golden (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix until just combined. Your hands work best for this! Use disposable gloves if you’d like.
4. Shape Meatloaf and Bake: Place the mixture on the lined baking sheet and shape it into a meatloaf (about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall). Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the sauce ingredients.
6. Add the Glaze: Spread the sauce over the meatloaf, then return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Meatloaf

Rest the loaf for 10–15 minutes, then slice and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Leftovers also work well in a sandwich with extra glaze.

How to Store Meatloaf

Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in a covered container for 3–4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Meatloaf

• Use lean ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist but not greasy.
• For added flavor, mix in vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it makes slicing easier and keeps the loaf together.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up! You can switch out beef for ground turkey or chicken, add different toppings like cheese, or incorporate spices for a bit of a kick. You can also try substituting the Panko breadcrumbs with oatmeal for a healthier alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other meats for meatloaf?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture.

2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

3. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day before, form it into a loaf, and cover it until you’re ready to bake it the next day.

If you enjoy this dinner, try our mac and cheese meatloaf casserole. For safe cooking temperatures, use the FoodSafety.gov temperature chart.

This meatloaf recipe is easiest to slice after the baked loaf rests briefly. Serve it with vegetables or potatoes, and refrigerate leftovers promptly once cooled.

This meatloaf recipe makes a practical dinner for slicing and serving with vegetables or potatoes. Let the loaf rest briefly after baking so each slice holds together.

Classic Meatloaf

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting classic meatloaf recipe that’s perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare.

• Author: Amelia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (85{c3709242858ea63f6f518f0e60e34661b2045d832188e8006804732198b61355} or 80{c3709242858ea63f6f518f0e60e34661b2045d832188e8006804732198b61355} lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tsp of olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté until softened and golden (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
3. In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Place the mixture on the lined baking sheet and shape it into a meatloaf (about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall). Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients.
6. Spread the sauce over the meatloaf and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Don’t skip resting time to ensure easier slicing.