Irresistible Meatloaf with Tangy Tomato Glaze

Welcome to your new favorite dinner! This classic meatloaf recipe, featuring a luscious tomato sauce and a perfectly balanced brown sugar glaze, promises a flavorful, fork-tender, and undeniably delicious meal that will quickly become a staple in your home. Forget dry, bland meatloaf – this easy-to-follow recipe is crafted to deliver a juicy, satisfying dish that the whole family will adore, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest weeknights.

Are you searching for a traditional meatloaf recipe that foregoes ketchup and milk? Do you crave meatloaf rich with the vibrant taste of tomato sauce? Look no further! This time-honored recipe offers exactly that, delivering a moist and incredibly flavorful experience.

A Timeless Family Recipe

This particular meatloaf recipe holds a special place in my heart, discovered tucked away in my grandma’s treasured collection of handwritten recipes. While I grew up with my mom’s delicious meatloaf featuring onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce, and my own kids rave about my Cheesy Barbecue Meatloaf, meatloaf muffins, and Italian Meatloaf Muffins, this one, explicitly titled “My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe” by my grandma, begged to be brought to life. It truly lives up to its name!

I made only minor adjustments to my grandma’s original directions, striving to keep the integrity of her easy meatloaf recipe intact. The result was phenomenal! My family absolutely adored it, and my husband even commented on how it reminded him of his own mother’s old-fashioned meatloaf with tomato sauce. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to comforting home cooking, proving that some classics are truly timeless.

Meatloaf Ingredients You Already Have

One of the best aspects of this incredibly flavorful meatloaf is that it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry and refrigerator. There’s no need for a special trip to the grocery store, making this a truly convenient and accessible option for a delicious homemade meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of our meatloaf. Using lean ground beef ensures a less greasy result, though the natural juices will keep it incredibly moist.
• Soft Bread Crumbs: Freshly torn or roughly chopped bread slices work wonders to bind the meat and keep it tender. You can substitute with dry breadcrumbs if preferred, typically about ½ cup for the equivalent of 3 slices of fresh bread.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding to the meatloaf’s overall tenderness.
• Tomato Sauce: Divided between the meatloaf mixture and the glaze, this provides a rich, tangy base flavor without the sweetness of ketchup.
• Yellow or White Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a depth of savory flavor. If fresh onion isn’t available, onion powder or dried minced onions can be used as a convenient substitute.
• Brown Sugar: A key component of the irresistible glaze, offering a sweet counterpoint to the tangy tomato and vinegar.
• Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work beautifully in the glaze, adding a bright tanginess that cuts through the richness of the meatloaf.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle, sophisticated kick and complexity to the glaze, complementing the other flavors perfectly.
• Water: Used in the glaze to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the meat and glaze.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce

Creating a truly delicious, juicy meatloaf is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect outcome every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Egg: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg. This small step ensures the egg is evenly distributed with less mixing later, contributing to a more tender meatloaf.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the lean ground beef to the bowl with the beaten egg. Then, introduce the soft bread crumbs, half of the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, sea salt, ground black pepper, and the finely chopped yellow or white onion.
3. Mix Gently by Hand: The best way to combine meatloaf ingredients is with your hands. This allows you to feel when the mixture is just combined, preventing overmixing. Pro tip: Do not overmix the meat mixture! Overworking the beef is the most common culprit for tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated and the beef mixture starts to stick together.

4. Form the Loaf: Once mixed, gently form the meat into a loaf shape. Aim for a thickness of about 2 inches. This ensures even cooking and prevents the loaf from drying out or taking too long to bake.
5. Choose Your Baking Dish: Place the formed meatloaf into a prepared casserole dish or a shallow baking dish with sides. The sides are crucial for catching the delicious pan juices that accumulate during baking, keeping your meatloaf moist. While some prefer a loaf pan, I find a larger, shallow dish allows for a better crust. For easier cleanup, you can line your baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Crafting the Perfect Brown Sugar Glaze

The brown sugar glaze is what truly elevates this meatloaf from good to extraordinary. Its sweet and tangy profile creates a caramelized crust that’s utterly delicious.

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining half of the tomato sauce, water, Dijon mustard, vinegar (white or apple cider), and firmly packed brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
2. Timing is Key for Glazing: While you can apply the glaze before baking, I prefer to let the meatloaf bake for about 15 minutes first. This allows the meatloaf to begin browning slightly on top before the glaze is added, resulting in a richer, more caramelized finish. So, I typically pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven, then prepare the glaze while it begins to bake.

3. Apply and Bake: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven to continue baking. You can baste the meatloaf with the tangy glaze periodically during the remainder of the cooking time for an even deeper flavor and shinier finish, or simply leave it to bake undisturbed.

Achieving the Ideal Meatloaf Cooking Time

The total cooking time for this delicious meatloaf is approximately one hour, but this can vary depending on your specific oven and the exact thickness of your loaf. Some ovens may cook it perfectly in 45 to 50 minutes. The most accurate way to determine if your meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf. Your meatloaf is perfectly done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful. For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. Then, it’s time to savor your perfectly cooked, homemade meatloaf!

Serving Suggestions: Best Side Dishes

A classic meatloaf deserves classic accompaniments! We find that certain side dishes perfectly complement the rich flavors of this brown sugar glazed meatloaf, creating a comforting and complete meal. Our top recommendations include:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate pairing! Their smooth, buttery texture is perfect for soaking up any extra meatloaf juices and glaze, providing a delightful contrast.
• Fresh Green Beans or Frozen Peas: These vibrant green vegetables offer a fresh, slightly crisp element that balances the richness of the meatloaf. Quick and easy to prepare, they add essential nutrients and color to your plate.
• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: For those who prefer rice, light and aromatic jasmine rice is another family favorite. It’s a wonderful alternative to potatoes and provides a comforting base for the savory meatloaf.
• Roasted Asparagus: A slightly more elegant option, roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic and lemon adds a sophisticated touch and a lovely earthy flavor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a touch of contrasting sweetness and a fun texture, a side of crispy sweet potato fries can be a surprisingly delicious match.

No matter which sides you choose, this delicious meatloaf is sure to be the star of your dinner table!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Meatloaf

One of the joys of making a large, classic meatloaf is the promise of delicious leftovers! Properly storing your meatloaf ensures its freshness and flavor for future meals. For short-term storage, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner.

For longer storage, meatloaf freezes exceptionally well. I recommend slicing the cooled meatloaf into individual portions first. Wrap each slice tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just one or two slices when you’re ready for a quick meal. Frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave until heated through, or for a crispier exterior, gently reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm. A little extra glaze or a splash of tomato sauce can help restore moisture if needed.

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5 from 18 votes

Favorite Meatloaf Recipe with Tomato Sauce

By:
Dee

My Favorite Meatloaf recipe with tomato sauce and brown sugar glaze is flavorful, fork tender and delicious. An easy dinner everyone loves, this classic classic meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour
hour

Total Time:

1 hour
hour
10 minutes
minutes

Servings:
10

Ingredients

• 2
  pounds
  lean ground beef
• 1
  cup
  soft bread crumbs
  roughly chopped or torn from 3 slices of fresh bread
• 1
  egg
  slightly beaten
• 1
  15-ounce can
  tomato sauce
  divided
• ½
  teaspoon
  sea salt
• ½
  teaspoon
  ground black pepper
• 1
  small yellow or white onion
  chopped, about ½ cup

For the glaze

• ½
  can
  tomato sauce
• ¼
  cup
  water
• 2
  tablespoons
  Dijon mustard
• 2
  tablespoons
  vinegar
• 2
  tablespoons
  brown sugar, firmly packed

Instructions

For the Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, half the can of tomato sauce, sea salt, pepper, and chopped onion, and mix well using your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the meat into a loaf approximately 2 inches high, and place in a baking pan or casserole dish.
5. Place loaf into the oven and bake for 15 minutes while you prepare the glaze. Then, pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
6. Continue to bake for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

For the Glaze

1. Pour the remaining half of the tomato sauce into a small mixing bowl, and add the water.
2. Add the mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar, and mix until well combined and smooth.

Notes

Ensure you use about half of the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce in the meatloaf mixture and reserve the other half for the delicious brown sugar glaze.

For convenience, you can substitute the fresh bread (from 3 slices) with approximately ½ cup of dry breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 7g
,

Protein: 20g
,

Fat: 5g
,

Saturated Fat: 2g
,

Cholesterol: 56mg
,

Sodium: 405mg
,

Potassium: 452mg
,

Fiber: 1g
,

Sugar: 4g
,

Vitamin A: 147IU
,

Vitamin C: 3mg
,

Calcium: 23mg
,

Iron: 3mg

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

Additional Info

Course:
Main

Cuisine:
American

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This recipe was first published in 2019 and lovingly updated in 2021 to ensure its timeless appeal.

We truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delicious brown sugar glazed meatloaf recipe as much as we do! If you prepare this recipe and believe it’s the best meatloaf you’ve ever tasted, please don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below – your feedback means the world to us. It’s truly a gratifying experience to share a family-favorite classic that brings so much comfort and flavor to the dinner table. For more easy and incredible recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter! Happy cooking!