This balsamic glazed meatloaf is a cozy dinner that combines ground meat, breadcrumbs, and a tangy glaze that adds a lovely shine and flavor. It’s easy to love!
I’ve got to say, that sticky balsamic glaze is the best part. It makes the meatloaf extra tasty and makes me want second helpings (or thirds!). Who can resist that? 😄
I enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes, which soak up all those delicious juices. It’s quick to prepare, and everyone at the table always asks for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using a mix of ground beef and pork adds great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind it may need a bit more seasoning.
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but if you want a gluten-free version, opt for crushed rice or cornflakes. I recommend seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor.
Onion: You can’t go wrong with yellow onions for their sweetness. You can swap them for shallots or even leeks if you prefer milder flavors.
Milk: If you’re dairy-free, use almond milk, soy milk, or even chicken broth for added flavor. It still helps keep the meatloaf moist!
Parmesan Cheese: I often use it for that salty kick, but feel free to omit it if you’re looking to cut down on cheese. Nutritional yeast can be a nice dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Get The Perfect Balsamic Glaze?
Creating a sticky balsamic glaze is key to adding a lovely shine and flavor to your meatloaf. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more sugar if desired.
- Halfway through baking, coat the top of the meatloaf with the glaze for a caramelized finish.
- Ensure the remaining glaze is spread on right before the final baking phase, causing it to set into a syrupy layer on the meatloaf.
Keep an eye on it while baking to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn. The last 15 minutes of cooking are where the magic happens!
Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious balsamic glazed meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour to bake. Add a few extra minutes for resting after baking, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes for an easy release later!
2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly because we don’t want to cook the meat mixture yet!
3. Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, and garlic, eggs, milk, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan cheese. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the meatloaf tender!
4. Forming the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it in evenly. Just shape it into a nice loaf shape!
5. Making the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. This is going to give your meatloaf that flavorful, sticky top!
6. Glazing and Baking:
Spread about half of the balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
7. Finishing Up:
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the glaze is sticky and set!
8. Resting and Serving:
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the slices juicy! Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if you’d like, and serve it with your favorite sides like steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Enjoy the rich, tangy flavors of this balsamic glazed meatloaf—perfect for a comforting family meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind, these meats may require a bit more seasoning to enhance their flavor since they’re milder than beef.
How Can I Make Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Make sure to check any other added ingredients for gluten content as well!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop slices in the microwave or warm them up gently in the oven so they don’t dry out!
Can I Freeze Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze meatloaf! Slice it first to make reheating easier, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
