Details
6 servings
20 minutes
70 minutes
420
This meatloaf tastes like Sunday dinners past – cozy kitchens, gravy-stained recipe cards, and the quiet hum of family laughter. It’s the dish that turns leftovers into coveted lunchbox treasures.
Picture a golden-brown meatloaf, its surface glistening with a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. As you slice into it, the interior reveals a tender, juicy blend of ground beef, shredded Cheddar cheese, and finely grated carrot, all bound together with a soft, bread-infused base. Each bite is a harmonious mix of savory flavors, with the richness of the beef balanced by the subtle sweetness of the glaze and the sharpness of the cheese.
The meatloaf is baked to perfection-crisp and glossy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside. The glaze, made with brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard, forms a deliciously sticky crust that adds a burst of flavor with every bite. The aroma of onions and spices fills the air, making it impossible to resist.
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a nostalgic meal that reminds you of home. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Key Elements 🔑
- Flavor Profile: Umami-rich beef meets sweet, tangy glaze.
- Texture Play: Tender crumb vs. crispy, caramelized crust.
- Signature Technique: Resting the loaf locks in juices.
- Cultural Nod: A retro American classic reborn with modern flair.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Pair With: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or buttered corn.
- Leftover Hack: Cube leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches or hash.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot honey.
Why You’ll Love This 🌟
✅ Juicy 80/20 Beef Blend: No dry meatloaf here!
✅ Cheesy Melt: Cheddar adds creamy pockets of umami.
✅ Sweet-Tangy Glaze: Balances richness with caramelized depth.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Slices reheat beautifully for lunches.
✅ Kid-Approved: Hide veggies like carrots for picky eaters.
This Savory Meatloaf with Sweet & Tangy Glaze is more than just a meal-it’s a warm, comforting embrace on a plate. 🍖✨
Savory Meatloaf with Sweet & Tangy Glaze
Course: Comfort Food Classics, Dinner, Main Dishes (Entrées), Weeknight DinnersCuisine: american comfort foodDifficulty: easy6
servings20
minutes1
hour10
minutes420
kcalA hearty, old-school meatloaf packed with savory beef, hidden veggies, and a sticky brown sugar-ketchup glaze that caramelizes into perfection.
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf
1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
3 slices bread, crumbled (stale works best!)
⅔ cup (160ml) milk (keeps the loaf moist)
½ cup (50g) onion, finely chopped (for savory depth)
½ cup (55g) shredded carrot (adds subtle sweetness)
1 cup (115g) shredded Cheddar cheese (melty goodness)
2 large eggs (binds the mixture)
2 tsp salt (enhances flavor)
¼ tsp ground black pepper (for a hint of spice)
- For the Glaze
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (caramelized sweetness)
¼ cup (60ml) ketchup (tangy base)
1 tbsp yellow mustard (zesty kick)
Directions
- Preheat & Prep
- Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up like a cozy kitchen hug.
- Create the Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper until smooth. Add 1 cup of crumbled bread (stale works great!) and stir until the bread dissolves into the mixture, creating a soft, moist base.
- Mix the Goodness**
- To the bread mixture, add 1 ½ pounds of ground beef, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, ½ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of grated carrot. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined-this is where the magic happens! Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even loaf.
- Whip Up the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of mustard until smooth and glossy. Spread this sweet and tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, creating a caramelized crust as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection
- Slide the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center and the glaze is bubbling and golden. For precision, use an instant-read thermometer-it should read at least 160°F (70°C) in the center.
- Rest & Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp green salad for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Pro Tips 🔥
Thermometer Trick: Ensure doneness without drying out.
Veggie Boost: Add ½ cup finely diced bell pepper or zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Swap bread for ¾ cup crushed gluten-free crackers. For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the meat mixture.
