Name: Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean); 1 medium onion (1 cup, finely chopped); 1 tsp olive oil; 2 large eggs; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 Tbsp ketchup; 3 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs); 1/3 cup milk; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar; 2 Tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to master a truly comforting, soul-satisfying dinner, then the Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a beautiful balance of juicy, seasoned ground beef mingled with aromatic herbs and spices, all topped with that irresistible tangy-sweet ketchup glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. It’s the kind of hearty meal that instantly brings back fond family memories or becomes the centerpiece for new ones. Plus, it’s simple to make and yields generous portions that everyone at the table will devour happily.

The dish shows two thick slices of meatloaf placed side by side on the right half of a white plate, each slice topped with a glossy red sauce and sprinkled with small green herbs. On the left side of the plate, there is a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes with melted butter pooled on top and scattered herbs. Behind the meatloaf, there is a neat row of bright green cooked green beans. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a fork visible at the upper right corner. The overall look is warm and inviting with contrasting colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward, quality ingredients. Each has a special role, whether it’s bringing moisture, depth of flavor, or texture to the meatloaf, so gathering these essentials will set you up for success.

2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean): Provides the hearty, meaty foundation with just enough fat to stay juicy.
1 medium onion (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, especially when sautéed until golden.
1 tsp olive oil: Used for sautéing onion to develop sweet and savory notes.
2 large eggs: Act as the perfect binder to hold the meatloaf together without crumbling.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a bright, aromatic punch into the mix.
2 Tbsp ketchup: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the meatloaf stuffing.
3 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings a refreshing herbal lift to balance the richness.
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs): Lightens the texture, making every bite tender and not dense.
1/3 cup milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist and soft during baking.
1 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors, never skip this!
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Introduces a lovely blend of herbs that complements beef perfectly.
1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of background heat.
3/4 cup ketchup (for glaze): Creates the iconic shiny, sweet, and tangy glaze that everyone loves.
1 ½ tsp white vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle bite for the glaze.
2 Tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the oven.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the glaze without overpowering.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds depth and complexity to the glaze’s taste.

How to Make Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Onions

Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil – this little trick saves you from scrubbing pans after dinner. Then preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in your finely chopped onions. Saute them while stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they turn soft and golden. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a rich flavor base that’s key to elevating the meatloaf.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onions, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix everything together. The key here is to mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and not dense. Wearing disposable gloves can make this step cleaner and more comfortable!

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Transfer your meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Try to keep it uniform so it cooks evenly. Bake uncovered in the 350°F oven for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the exterior to start firming up perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Savory Ketchup Glaze

While your meatloaf is baking, whisk together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This glaze is the star of the show here – tangy, sweet, and packed with extra depth that makes the meatloaf unforgettable.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze all over the top generously. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. This step lets the glaze caramelize and form that shiny, flavorful crust that everyone loves. The meatloaf’s internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to enjoy.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Patience is key! Let your meatloaf rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes outside the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice moist and easy to cut without crumbling. The wait is well worth it.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe

A white oval plate holding a meatloaf with three visible slices. The meatloaf has a smooth, thick, shiny red sauce layer covering the top and sides, with the sauce slightly dripping down. The meat inside is crumbly and light brown, mixed with visible bits of cooked onion. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top of the sauce and meat slices for garnish. A silver fork sits on the plate’s left edge. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness that brightens this hearty dish. For a little twist, try serving with a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or tangy mustard on the side to elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

Classic meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Add steamed green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp simple salad to round out your plate with vibrant textures and flavors that complement the savory meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by serving individual mini meatloaves baked in muffin tins—perfect single servings with that same incredible glaze. For a fun twist, use thick slices to make a meatloaf sandwich with toasted bread, melted cheese, and pickles. This Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe is so versatile it can shine in many presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

This meatloaf freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect batch-cooking candidate. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm slices in a microwave or gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating helps maintain juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted though they tend to be leaner, so add a bit of olive oil or an extra egg for moisture. Expect a lighter flavor that still works well with the savory ketchup glaze.

What can I use if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?

If Panko isn’t on hand, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work just fine. Gluten-free bread crumbs are a great substitute too, keeping the texture tender without gluten.

Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes. Just swap the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour. Be sure to double-check the ketchup and seasonings for any hidden gluten ingredients.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best method is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center. When it registers 160°F, your meatloaf is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix all the ingredients and shape the loaf the day before. Cover and refrigerate it overnight. Then just add the glaze and bake when ready. This makes dinnertime incredibly easy.

Final Thoughts

Making the Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Savory Ketchup Glaze Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for any night of the week, yet special enough to serve when you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how simple it is to create a true comfort food classic right in your own kitchen.