sweet and sour meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sweet and sour meatloaf recipe
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The Best sweet and sour meatloaf recipe

I’ve been making sweet and sour meatloaf for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My family loves it because it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The sweet and sour sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, while the meatloaf is moist and flavorful.

I like to serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ve also found that this recipe is a great way to get my kids to eat vegetables, as they’re not even aware they’re eating them!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the meat and the sauce. I like to use ground beef or a combination of beef and pork for the meatloaf, as it adds depth of flavor. The sweet and sour sauce is made with ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar, which gives it a rich and tangy flavor.

I like to serve this recipe with a side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles, as they help to soak up all the juices from the meatloaf. This recipe is also great for meal prep, as you can make the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. I like to make a big batch of this recipe on the weekends and use it throughout the week for lunches or dinners.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, so we make this recipe together on Sundays when we have more time. We have so much fun making this recipe together, and it’s always a hit when we serve it up at dinner time.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

4.5 from 1007 votes

A classic meatloaf gets a tangy twist with a glossy sweet and sour glaze. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of savory meat and zesty sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Sweet and Sour Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3Mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan and press it evenly into the corners.
5Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 30 minutes.
7While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze.
8In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
9After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain off any excess fat.
10Spread the sweet and sour glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering it completely.
11Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
12The glaze should be bubbling and caramelized on top.
13Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
14This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender loaf.
15Slice and serve with extra glaze if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
9×5 inch loaf pan
Small bowl
Whisk
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist. You can also add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for extra flavor. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Meatloaf Works

This sweet and sour meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner. It’s easy to make ahead of time and stores well in the fridge or freezer for later use.

You can also reheat it easily in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to serve. To store leftovers safely, let them cool completely before refrigerating them within two hours of cooking.

You can also freeze individual portions of cooked meatloaf in an ice cube tray for up to three months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Q: What type of meat should I use for the meatloaf?

A: You can use either ground beef or a combination of beef and pork for the meatloaf. If you want to make it more lean, you can use just ground beef. If you want to add more fat to the meatloaf, you can use ground pork or a combination of both.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meatloaf in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with the sweet and sour sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, depending on how quickly you can brown the meatloaf in a skillet.

Q: Can I substitute ketchup with another ingredient?

A: Yes, you can substitute ketchup with another ingredient like pomegranate molasses or reduced balsamic vinegar if you prefer.

Q: How long does this recipe stay fresh in the fridge?

A: This recipe stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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