This Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze is packed with ground beef, oatmeal, onion, and a sweet, tangy glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Simple, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy!
If there’s one meal that screams home, it’s meatloaf. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, complete with fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans, and the comforting scent of something delicious baking in the oven. At least, that’s how it was for me.
My love for meatloaf comes from my mom. She had a no-fail recipe that was the gold standard in our family. It wasn’t just food—it was tradition. Every time she made it, the whole house smelled incredible, and we all knew dinner was going to be amazing. But the best part? That sticky-sweet glaze that caramelized perfectly on top. She always doubled the glaze because we’d sneak extra spoonfuls to drizzle on our slices.
Now, I make this recipe for my own family, and it never fails to bring that same warmth to the table. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and crazy easy to make. If you’re looking for a foolproof, old-school comfort food that never disappoints, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze?
- The glaze is pure magic – A mix of brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup that caramelizes beautifully.
- Perfectly moist – No dry, crumbly meatloaf here! The milk and oatmeal keep it soft and tender.
- One-bowl wonder – Just mix, shape, and bake. It’s practically effortless!
- Great leftovers – Slice it up for sandwiches the next day (trust me, it’s even better cold).
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters go for seconds!
Ingredient Notes:
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground Beef – I use 80/20 for that perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
- Egg – Helps hold everything together.
- Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and texture. If you’re not a fan of chunky onion, grate it instead of chopping!
- Milk – Keeps the meatloaf soft and moist.
- Oatmeal – Yep, oatmeal! It soaks up moisture, keeping things tender (and it’s a great alternative to breadcrumbs).
- Salt & Pepper – Simple, but essential.
For the Glaze:
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Mustard – Balances the sweetness with a little tang.
- Ketchup – The classic topping that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for extra depth.
How To Make Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan or lining a baking sheet with
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, chopped onion, milk, oatmeal, salt, and pepper. The key here? Don’t overmix! Overworking the meat makes it dense instead of tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Don’t pack it too tight—air pockets help keep it juicy!
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Give it a quick taste—want it tangier? Add more mustard. Sweeter? A little more brown sugar will do the trick.
Step 5: Glaze & Bake
Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Then, pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
Step 6: More Glaze & Finish Baking
Want To Save This Recipe?
After an hour, take it out and spread the remaining glaze on top. Bake for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve
This part is important—let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. It helps all those juices redistribute, making sure every bite is moist and flavorful.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
- Reheat: Microwave slices for a quick meal, or bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some easy swaps:
- Breadcrumbs instead of oatmeal – Works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Turkey or chicken instead of beef – For a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative!
- BBQ glaze instead of ketchup glaze – Swap out ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Cheesy upgrade – Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar for extra richness.
What to Serve with Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze?
Meatloaf is basically begging for sides. Here are some must-tries:
- Mashed Potatoes – Because what’s meatloaf without mashed potatoes?
- Roasted Veggies – Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots are all perfect pairings.
- Mac & Cheese – The ultimate comfort food combo.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that extra glaze.
- Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix everything and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
It might need more binder—make sure to use oatmeal, breadcrumbs, or an extra egg to hold it together.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
This Meatloaf is a Must-Try!
If you’ve been searching for the perfect meatloaf recipe, this is it. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and that sweet-savory glaze takes it over the top. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday family meal, this meatloaf always delivers.
So tell me—are you a meatloaf fan? Drop a comment below and let’s talk comfort food!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Meatloaf Recipe with the BEST Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 c milk
- 1 c oatmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/3 c ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl thoroughly mix together 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of oatmeal. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and raised edges.
- To make the glaze combine 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of mustard and 1/3 cup of ketchup, in a bowl.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Put the meatloaf in the oven. Bake for one hour and thirty minutes or until it is fully cooked with no pink center.
- Once cooked take the meatloaf out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain its juices and ensure a perfect texture.
- Serve while warm and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
