Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving hearty comfort food that never goes out of style, you’re going to absolutely love this Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those meals that takes me back to cozy family dinners and Sunday nights when everyone gathered around the table. The juicy, flavorful meatloaf paired with the tangy, sweet ketchup glaze creates this perfect balance that hits all the right notes. Stick around because this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and, between you and me, downright addicting.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe, I’ve selected ingredients that not only work perfectly together but also keep the prep easy and flavorful. You don’t need anything fancy, but picking fresh parsley and good-quality ground beef really steps up the dish.

• Ground beef: I use 80-85% lean for just the right balance of flavor and moisture—too lean can get dry.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it blends in without overpowering, adding subtle sweetness.
• Eggs: They’re your binder in the mix, helping everything hold together.
• Milk: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
• Breadcrumbs: Preferably Panko, for a light texture without heaviness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor—not that jar stuff.
• Ketchup: It’s used both in the mix and the glaze—key for that classic tang.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped finely for a bright, fresh note.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a little umami complexity that lifts the whole thing.
• Salt & pepper: The basics to season everything just right.
• Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and herbaceousness without complicating the flavor.
• Brown sugar, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder (for glaze): These combine for that irresistible ketchup glaze that’s glossy and tasty.

Variations

I love how versatile this Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe is—you can tweak it effortlessly to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. It’s always fun to experiment while keeping that comforting vibe intact.

• Turkey or Chicken meatloaf: For a leaner option, turkey works wonderfully—you might want to add a little extra moisture like an extra egg or some veggies.
• Veggie boost: Finely shredded carrots or zucchini mixed in adds a sneak of veggies—my kids never notice!
• Gluten-free: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or use crushed oats.
• Spicy kick: Adding a teaspoon of chili powder or tossing in diced jalapeños spices it up nicely.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This recipe likes a nice, even temperature to bake through without drying out. Then lightly grease your loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil—trust me, cleaning up is so much easier with foil!

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Everything Together

Next, in a large bowl, combine your ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Here’s what I’ve learned: mix everything gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so use your hands or a big spoon and stop once it’s combined.

Step 3: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf

Shape the mixture into a classic loaf shape and place it in your prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Then, whisk together your glaze ingredients—ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder—in a small bowl. Brush half of this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake for 45 minutes, then pull it out and brush on the remaining glaze. Pop it back into the oven for another 15 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer here is a game changer—no guesswork.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets all the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. Then slice it up and get ready for the compliments!

How to Serve Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic: a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a few sliced green onions on top bring a nice mild bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a touch of crispy fried onions adds amazing texture.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairings include creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted carrots. Green beans sautéed with garlic or a crisp salad with vinaigrette perfectly balance the richness of the meatloaf. And, if you want to treat yourself, creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked individual mini meatloafs in muffin tins—it’s a fun twist that’s perfect for portion control and looks adorable on the plate. Another idea: slice the meatloaf thin and layer it in sandwiches with melted cheese and pickles for a hearty lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meatloaf cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. I learned that wrapping well prevents it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

This Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. I like to slice it first, then freeze the slices spaced on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. This way, you can just thaw individual portions as needed—so handy!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil—this keeps the meat moist and the glaze intact. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I recommend adding a splash of water and covering with a microwave-safe lid to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I remember when I first tried this Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe—it quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliably delicious and easy to pull together. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I know you’ll enjoy making (and sharing) it as much as I do. Trust me, once you master this, meatloaf night will become a favorite tradition in your home too!

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