I’m so excited to share with you my favorite meatloaf with ketchup glaze recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone loves.
The story behind this recipe is that it’s a classic American comfort food, and I’ve adapted it to make it healthier and more flavorful. My kids love helping me prepare the meatloaf mixture and the ketchup glaze, and it’s always a treat when they get to help with the cooking process.
As for the taste, it’s hard to describe – it’s just one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re home, you know? The combination of the tender meatloaf, the sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, and the crispy texture on top is just magic.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
I like to serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. But let’s get to the recipe – I’ve made some adjustments to make it healthier, so we’ll be using lean ground beef, turkey, or even a combination of both.
We’ll also be using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, and adding some extra spices to give it that extra oomph. And don’t even get me started on the ketchup glaze – I’ve got a secret ingredient that takes it from good to amazing.
Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
4.9 from 738 votes
A tender and juicy meatloaf made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onions and garlic, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes and green beans.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
3Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the pan and smoothing the top.
6Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
7In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
8Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
9Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
10After 45 minutes, spread the remaining glaze over the top and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
11Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
12Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan, then slice and serve warm.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the pork and use lean ground beef. To prevent the meatloaf from sticking, line the loaf pan with parchment paper before adding the meat mixture.
Watch Video Of How Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Works
This meatloaf with ketchup glaze recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a family gathering or potluck event.
And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully in just a few minutes on the stovetop or in the oven.
In fact, I like to reheat any leftover slices by wrapping them in foil and baking them in the oven until warm through – this helps keep all those juicy flavors intact.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?
A: You can use either lean ground beef or ground turkey for this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, use 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey breast. If you want more flavor, use 80% lean ground beef or a combination of beef and pork.
Q: Can I use store-bought ketchup glaze?
A: While store-bought ketchup glaze can be convenient, making your own from scratch is definitely worth the extra effort. It’s surprisingly easy to make and adds so much depth of flavor to the dish.
Q: How do I ensure my meatloaf doesn’t dry out?
A: To prevent drying out, make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can cause it to become dense and dry. Also, don’t overcook it – aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium-rare or 170°F (77°C) for medium.
Q: Can I serve this recipe at room temperature?
A: While you can serve meatloaf at room temperature, I recommend keeping it refrigerated until serving time if possible. If you’re planning ahead, you can also refrigerate or freeze the cooked meatloaf for later use.
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