Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf

The aroma of a perfectly baked meatloaf is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine the savory scent wafting through your kitchen as you prepare the best ever balsamic glazed meatloaf recipe that promises to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Gather your loved ones around the dinner table for this dish; it’s not just a meal but a memory-maker. Picture yourself serving slices of tender meatloaf drizzled with a luscious balsamic glaze that adds a tangy twist. It’s ideal for cozy family nights or potlucks where you want to impress without stressing over complicated steps.

I remember the first time I made this meatloaf. My family’s delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 beef for a juicy texture; leaner cuts can dry out during cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture while adding subtle flavor.
• Eggs: These act as a binding agent; fresh eggs will yield the best results.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness; sauté before mixing for deeper flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic warmth; use more if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star ingredient; choose high-quality vinegar for richer flavor in your glaze.
• Ketchup: A classic addition that balances the tartness of vinegar while keeping it moist.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the glaze; adjust based on your taste preference.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash brings depth and umami to your meat mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors—don’t skip these

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan—your choice! Gather all ingredients on your countertop for an organized cooking experience.

Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (clean ones!) to mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!

Shape into Loaf

Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet or into the loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide—it doesn’t need to be perfect!

Make The Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sweet-tangy concoction will be poured over our meat masterpiece.

Bake Away

Pour half of the glaze over your shaped loaf before placing it in the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Your kitchen will smell divine!

Serve It Up

Once done baking, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—trust me; this enhances juiciness! Serve warm with remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Now gather everyone around because you’re ready to serve up some smiles along with this delicious dish!

By following these simple steps and using quality ingredients, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by prepping your meatloaf mixture while preheating the oven to 350°F. Bake for about 45 minutes, then glaze, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like diced bell peppers for a twist. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Cooking my first meatloaf was an adventure; my family raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superhero that day!

FAQ

What makes this meatloaf recipe the best ever?

The combination of balsamic glaze adds unmatched flavor and moisture to this dish.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version without compromising taste.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the perfect blend of savory and sweet in this easy balsamic glazed meatloaf that will impress your family at dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into an 8×4 inch loaf on the baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
4. For the glaze, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) is reached.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serve with remaining glaze drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 85mg