sweet & sour meatloaf recipe

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

I’ve been making sweet and sour meatloaf for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic American comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

I love how the sweet and sour sauce caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, creating a sticky and savory crust. My kids adore it when I serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their vegetables too.

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be made in under an hour. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making it a perfect meal for school lunches or packable snacks.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it at home, take it to potlucks, or even give it as a gift to friends and family who love good food. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it healthier by using leaner ground beef and reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce.

The result is a deliciously balanced meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. When I think about why I love this recipe so much, it’s because it reminds me of my childhood – my mom used to make something similar for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

Now, every time I serve this dish, I’m transported back to those happy memories of family gatherings and warm meals shared together.

Sweet & Sour Meatloaf

4.7 from 1419 votes

A comforting and tangy twist on a classic meatloaf. Ground meat is mixed with a sweet and sour glaze and baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6This will be the sweet and sour glaze.
7Set aside half of the glaze for later use.
8Press the meat mixture into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
9Spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
10Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11After 20 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
12The top should be nicely glazed and slightly browned.
13Spread the reserved glaze over the top of the meatloaf and return it to the oven.
14Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
15The meatloaf should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear.
16Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
17This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
18Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Spoon
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add diced onions or bell peppers to the meatloaf for extra flavor and texture. For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef and pork.

This sweet and sour meatloaf recipe has become a staple in our household – every time we have company over or need a comforting meal, I whip out this tried-and-true favorite.

One thing I love about this recipe is its adaptability – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner, everyone will devour this dish in no time.

It’s also super easy to customize based on your dietary needs; feel free to substitute leaner meats or reduce sugar content as desired.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet & Sour Meatloaf

Q: What type of meat is best for sweet and sour meatloaf?

For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground turkey – both work well.

Q: Can I make the sweet and sour sauce from scratch?

Sure! Simply combine equal parts ketchup and brown sugar with some vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Q: Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

Nope! Just use your regular ol’ loaf pan.

Q: How do I store leftover sweet and sour meatloaf?

Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing – simply thaw when ready to reheat.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! Prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time; let it rest at room temperature before baking as instructed.

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