why make this recipe
This Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting texture. With a balance of meatiness and sweetness from the glaze, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Plus, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
how to make Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef (96/4 ratio)
- 3 slices bread, toasted and crumbled
- 7 buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3½ tablespoons sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
- ¼ cup milk (optional, as needed)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (plus remaining tomato sauce from the can)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled onion-garlic mixture, ground beef, crumbled toasted bread, crushed crackers, beaten egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 5×9-inch loaf pan, pressing it in evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking for 15 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize.
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.
how to serve Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze
Slice the meatloaf into thick portions, and serve it hot. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Drizzle extra glaze on top for added flavor.
how to store Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze
Allow any leftover meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze
- For added moisture, you can include a bit of milk if the mixture seems too dry.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture; this helps keep it light and tender.
- You can add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
variation
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it the next day.
Q: What can I use instead of eggs?
A: If you need a substitute, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as a binder.
Q: Can I use a different kind of cracker?
A: Absolutely! Any savory cracker can work, but buttery ones like Ritz will provide the best flavor and texture.
Best Meatloaf with Tangy-Sweet Glaze
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef (96/4 ratio)
- 3 slices bread, toasted and crumbled
- 7 pieces buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3½ tablespoons sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce, divided
- ¼ cup milk (optional, as needed) Use if mixture seems too dry
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled onion-garlic mixture, ground beef, crumbled toasted bread, crushed crackers, beaten egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix until just combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a 5x9-inch loaf pan, pressing it in evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking for 15 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize.
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.
