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This hearty Dinner recipe for Classic Meatloaf with a Sticky Sweet Topping delivers comfort food at its finest. Packed with savory flavors and topped with a shiny, tangy glaze, it’s the kind of meal that fills both the belly and the soul. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this meatloaf is tender, juicy, and satisfyingly simple to make.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

→ Main Mixture for Meatloaf
▢ 2 big handfuls of lean ground beef (90% lean)
▢ 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped
▢ 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
▢ 2½ tablespoons ketchup
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
▢ ⅔ cup milk
▢ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
▢ ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
▢ 2 tablespoons meatloaf seasoning

→ Sticky Sweet Topping
▢ ¾ cup ketchup
▢ 1½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
▢ 3 tablespoons brown sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the meatloaf mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it gently into a loaf shape.

Bake for 35–40 minutes.

While baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze generously over the top, and return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes.

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon any pan juices over the slices when serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving – approx. 6 servings)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Sugars: ~10g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Fiber: ~1g
Vitamin A: ~350IU
Calcium: ~80mg
Iron: ~2.5mg

The Legacy of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has its roots in European cooking traditions and made its way to American kitchens in the 19th century. During the Great Depression and wartime years, it became a frugal way to stretch meat with fillers like breadcrumbs and vegetables. But far from being just a budget meal, meatloaf evolved into a comfort food classic. Today, it stands as a symbol of warmth, nourishment, and home-cooked simplicity. The addition of a sticky sweet topping adds a modern twist that enhances flavor while preserving its traditional appeal.

The Secret to Tender, Juicy Meatloaf

The texture of a great meatloaf is just as important as its flavor. This version ensures tenderness through a balanced combination of protein, moisture, and binding agents. Milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs work together to hold the meat together while keeping it moist and tender inside. The breadcrumbs absorb and retain moisture, the eggs provide structure, and the milk adds richness. With just the right blend of seasoning and aromatics, the result is a sliceable loaf that’s juicy, flavorful, and never dry.

Savory Flavor Depth in Every Bite

While meatloaf can be a blank canvas, this recipe builds layers of savory complexity without going overboard. Onions and garlic form the aromatic foundation, while parsley and Italian herbs add brightness and depth. Worcestershire sauce brings umami and a slightly tangy background note that complements the natural richness of the beef. Ketchup stirred into the mix enhances sweetness and acidity, while meatloaf seasoning ensures that each bite delivers bold, consistent flavor. Together, these ingredients make the meatloaf both satisfying and full-bodied.

The Sticky Sweet Glaze That Steals the Show

What truly sets this meatloaf apart is its sticky sweet topping—a shiny glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and infuses the dish with irresistible flavor. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of garlic and onion powder gives it that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The glaze not only adds a striking visual finish, but it also provides a contrast in texture and taste that elevates the entire meal. As it bakes, it thickens and forms a lightly crisp edge that pairs beautifully with the tender meat beneath.

Perfectly Balanced Nutrition and Comfort

Despite its hearty flavor, this meatloaf maintains a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving provides a good amount of protein, moderate fat, and just enough carbs to fuel your evening. The lean ground beef ensures you’re getting high-quality protein without excessive saturated fat, while the inclusion of fresh herbs and onion adds micronutrients and antioxidants. The topping, while sweet, is portioned in a way that delivers great taste without overwhelming the dish. Served with a vegetable side or a green salad, it becomes a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best aspects of this classic meatloaf is how well it stores and reheats. It slices cleanly after resting, making it ideal for meal prep lunches or freezer meals. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze individual slices for quick dinners on busy nights. The flavor even improves over time as the spices continue to mingle. When reheated, the meat stays juicy and the glaze reactivates, making each serving taste freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes. Mashed potatoes and green beans are traditional partners that never fail. For something lighter, serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp slaw. It also works well with rice, steamed broccoli, or even a warm grain salad like farro or barley. If you’re looking for a twist, try slicing it for sandwiches the next day, adding a swipe of mustard or leftover glaze between thick slices of crusty bread. The versatility of this dish makes it a weeknight hero and a leftover legend.

Easy to Customize to Suit Your Taste

Another reason this meatloaf recipe has universal appeal is its adaptability. You can switch up the meat—try a blend of beef and pork, or use ground turkey for a lighter version. You can also sneak in finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to add more nutrition without altering the flavor. For a spicy twist, mix in a touch of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. And if you prefer a smokier glaze, a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the topping can transform the flavor with minimal effort.

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

For the most even cooking, avoid compacting the meat too tightly in the pan. Gently shape the mixture into the loaf and let it rest before baking to allow the ingredients to bind. Always let the meatloaf rest after baking—it helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner and easier. Using parchment paper in the pan ensures that the meatloaf lifts out easily and maintains its shape. When applying the glaze, be generous—it’s one of the highlights of the dish, and a thick coating ensures that every bite gets a bit of that sweet, sticky magic.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for prepping in advance for dinner parties or busy weekdays.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave gently at 50% power to avoid drying it out.

Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are certified gluten-free.

What kind of ground beef works best? Lean ground beef around 90% lean gives the best balance of flavor and texture. Too fatty, and it will be greasy; too lean, and it may dry out.

What else can I do with leftovers? Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches, sliders, or even meatloaf hash the next morning with fried eggs and roasted potatoes.

Conclusion

Classic Meatloaf with a Sticky Sweet Topping is more than just a dinner—it’s a comforting experience rooted in tradition and bursting with familiar flavors. With its tender, juicy texture and a glaze that delivers a perfect sweet-savory finish, this meatloaf strikes the ideal balance between homestyle and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, reheats wonderfully, and can be customized to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning meals ahead, or simply craving a dish that feels like home, this meatloaf promises warmth, satisfaction, and timeless appeal in every slice.

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