This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This glazed meatloaf recipe is true comfort food. Made with everyday ingredients and topped with a simple homemade glaze, it’s the kind of recipe that will easily become a family favorite meal.

Glazed meatloaf recipe cut into slices.

Baking it on a sheet pan gives the outside nice browned edges, while the inside stays tender and moist. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish for an easy meal that’s always satisfying.

If you enjoy classic comfort food, you might also like my savory meatballsbaked chicken parmesan, or French onion meatballs.

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

  • Tender and juicy: Milk-soaked breadcrumbs help keep every slice moist.
  • Classic flavor: A simple homemade glaze finishes it perfectly.
  • Easy family dinner: This easy meatloaf recipe bakes on a baking sheet rather than in a loaf pan. It’s great with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or dinner rolls.

Meatloaf Ingredients

Ingredients for glazed meatloaf recipe.

Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Ground beef (or beef and pork) – Creates a flavorful, tender meatloaf.
  • Breadcrumbs and milk – Keep the meatloaf soft and moist. You can use store-bought Panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or make some homemade sourdough breadcrumbs.
  • Onion and garlic – Add savory flavor throughout.
  • Eggs – Help bind everything together.
  • Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce – Add depth of flavor.
  • Ketchup glaze – A simple topping with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

How to Make Glazed Meatloaf

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this Glazed Meatloaf recipe:

Collage of four photos showing steps 1-4 for how to make glazed meatloaf.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the milk.

Step 3: Add the eggs, cooked onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.

Step 4: Stir until combined.

Collage of four photos showing steps 5-8 for how to make glazed meatloaf.

Step 5: Add the ground meat, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8 to 9 inches long.

Step 8: In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 40 minutes.

Glazed meatloaf on a piece of parchment.

Step 9: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What to Serve with Homemade Meatloaf

This may be the best meatloaf recipe! While it will be the star of your meal, it pairs well with all the classic comfort food sides. 

Glazed meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

These mashed potatoes are always a favorite, and roasted carrotsgreen bean casserolebuttermilk dinner rolls, or buttered corn round out the meal nicely.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a harvest saladorzo salad with asparagus, or sautéed greens make a nice contrast to the rich meatloaf. Warm oatmeal dinner rolls or macaroni and cheese are also great choices.

Tips for Success

  • Soak the breadcrumbs before mixing for a more tender meatloaf.
  • Cook the onions first for better flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture or the meatloaf can become dense.
  • Let it rest before slicing to help the juices redistribute.

How to Store

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Sliced glazed meatloaf on a piece of parchment paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all ground beef?

Yes. An 80/20 blend works especially well for flavor and moisture.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. Shape the loaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, although the finished meatloaf texture will be lighter and slightly less rich.

Do I really need to soak the breadcrumbs?

Yes. Soaking bread crumbs is a simple step that helps keep the meatloaf moist and prevents it from becoming dense.

Glazed meatloaf recipe with mashed potatoes.

More Ground Beef Recipes

If you make this glazed meatloaf recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!

Glazed meatloaf on a piece of parchment.
No ratings yet

Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

This glazed meatloaf recipe is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy homemade glaze. An easy comfort food dinner the whole family will love.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

For the Meatloaf

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let sit for a few minutes to soak.
  • Add the eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, then stir to combine.
  • Add the ground meat, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared sheet pan and shape into a loaf about 8 to 9 inches long, smoothing the top slightly.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf.
  • Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  • Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Using a mix of beef and pork adds richness and tenderness, but all beef works well too. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps create a soft, tender texture and prevents the meatloaf from becoming dense.
Sautéing the onions before mixing ensures better flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 562kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 164mg, Sodium: 1344mg, Potassium: 683mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 519IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 129mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Hi, I'm Joy!

I'm a homemaker and homeschooling mom of 5. For over 25 years I've been cooking from scratch and making homemade bread for my family of 7. I love sharing sourdough recipes, easy dinner ideas, and simple DIY projects for your home.

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.