Juicy Glazed Beef Meatloaf

Craving old-fashioned comfort food at its finest? Look no further than juicy glazed beef meatloaf. This classic American dish features a seasoned beef loaf baked to savory perfection, then brushed with a sweet and tangy glaze that forms an irresistible caramelized crust. Satisfying yet simple, it's the ultimate hearty family meal. Read on for the secrets to making this iconic dinner at home.

An Introduction to Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a mixture of ground meat and other ingredients shaped into a loaf pan and baked. Let's cover some basics:

Main Meat Used

Beef is the most common, but meatloaf can also be made with turkey, pork, lamb or mixed meats.

Seasonings

Onion, garlic, bell peppers, herbs, spices, Worcestershire and ketchup add flavor.

Binders

Breadcrumbs or oats soak up juices and hold the loaf together.

Cooking Method

Meatloaf is baked in a loaf pan until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.

With the right mix of ingredients, meatloaf can be absolutely crave-worthy.

Choosing the Best Beef for Meatloaf

Not all ground beef works equally well. Here are the best options:

80/20 Ground Beef

This classic blend with 20% fat provides great moisture and flavor balance.

Chuck Ground Beef

Chuck brings great beefy depth along with cost efficiency.

Ground Sirloin

Lean yet flavorful ground sirloin gives a meaty texture.

Brisket Burger Blend

Brisket grind contains marbling for tenderness while maintaining shape.

Wagyu Beef

For ultimate indulgence, choose highly marbled luxury wagyu beef.

Pick a quality ground beef to make the juiciest, most savory meatloaf.

Mix-In Ideas for Delicious Meatloaf

Mix-ins help make meatloaf juicy, tender and flavorful. Consider adding:

Onion and Garlic

Sautéed onion and garlic provide a savory flavor base.

Worcestershire Sauce

A dash of Worcestershire contributes depth, umami flavor.

Diced Vegetables

Carrots, peppers, mushrooms, celery, zucchini add texture.

Herbs and Spices

Parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, sage work well along with chili powder or paprika.

Binding Agents

Breadcrumbs, oats, or mashed potatoes help bind everything together.

Let your creativity run wild with fun meatloaf mix-in combinations!

Glazing Options for Savory-Sweet Meatloaf

An awesome glaze puts meatloaf over the top. Consider these mouthwatering options:

Ketchup Based

Ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire make a classic tangy glaze.

Savory Tomato

Dress up tomato sauce glaze with balsamic, red wine, garlic and herbs.

Maple Bourbon

For gourmet flavor, try pure maple syrup with bourbon, mustard and pepper.

Spicy Hoisin

Hoisin, sriracha, sesame oil, rice vinegar and garlic makes a spicy Asian glaze.

Pesto Drizzle

Fresh basil pesto swirled with mayo or Greek yogurt keeps it herby.

Amp up the flavor choosing a sauce that suits your tastes.

Recipe for Juicy Glazed Meatloaf

This easy version comes out perfect every time.

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1⁄4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix all meatloaf ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Pack mixture into a greased loaf pan and shape evenly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together glaze ingredients. Spread over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

For extra flavor, try adding chopped mushrooms, herbs, Worcestershire or BBQ sauce to the meat. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Expert Tips for Perfect Meatloaf

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Cook onion and garlic before mixing in for added flavor.
• Resist overmixing the meatloaf blend for a tender texture.
• Spread glaze over top about 15 minutes before done cooking.
• Allow loaf to rest before slicing for juicier results.
• Storing leftovers? Slice first then refrigerate in an airtight container.

With proper techniques, your meatloaf will turn out tender and moist every time.

The Evolution of Meatloaf Through History

Meatloaf has an interesting and diverse origin story:

Ancient Roman Roots

Ground meat dishes resembling primitive meatloaf were mentioned in ancient Roman texts.

European Iterations

European countries developed their own versions such as the French “faux gras” and German “hackbraten.”

US Rise in Popularity

As a thrifty way to stretch meat, meatloaf became popular in America during the Great Depression.

Mid-Century Staple

Post-WW2 era meatloaf was widely served as a family dinner across America.

Modern Twists

Today’s meatloaf recipes showcase global flavors and premium ingredients.

This humble dish has come a long way while remaining a cherished classic.

Conclusion

Juicy glazed beef meatloaf is the quintessential comfort food, satisfying the soul as well as the stomach. With quality beef, fresh ingredients, and a quick homemade glaze, you can create a tender, mouthwatering meatloaf the whole family will request again and again. Meatloaf requires only simple preparation, making it an ideal busy weeknight dinner. Just bake, glaze, slice and serve this timeless classic dish for a taste of home whenever you need it.

FAQs

What is the best way to reheat meatloaf?

Reheating sliced meatloaf in the oven wrapped in foil or in the microwave until heated through keeps it from drying out.

Can you freeze cooked meatloaf?

Yes, fully cooked meatloaf can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What sides go well with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, dinner rolls, and salad are classic pairings with meatloaf.

Should meatloaf be covered while baking?

It’s not necessary to cover while baking, but tenting with foil prevents over-browning if your meatloaf browns too quickly.

How can you tell when meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F. Or check that juices run clear when sliced.

In summary, juicy glazed meatloaf is the ultimate comforting family meal, made easily in your own kitchen. Bake this American classic and enjoy a trip down savory memory lane.