Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf

The aroma of savory meat and sweet tangy glaze wafts through the kitchen, promising a memorable dining experience. The best ever balsamic glazed meatloaf is not just a meal; it’s an emotional comfort wrapped in a cozy loaf.

Picture this scene: your family gathers around the table, forks poised and ready, anticipation buzzing in the air. One bite into the moist and flavorful meatloaf drenched in that irresistible balsamic glaze, and you’ve officially become the hero of the evening—not to mention the reigning champion of leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin’s jaw hit the floor when he took his first bite.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Aim for 80% lean beef for maximum flavor without being too greasy.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian breadcrumbs to help bind everything together while adding texture.
• Eggs: A couple of eggs will help hold your meat mixture together—like glue but tastier
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture; sautéing it first enhances its flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch of flavor—don’t skimp on it
• Balsamic Vinegar: This crucial ingredient gives that delightful sweet-tangy glaze that sets this recipe apart.
• Ketchup: Adds richness to both the loaf and the glaze; use your favorite brand.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash brings umami depth that elevates your meatloaf game.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness when serving

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients—this saves precious time later.

Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do

Mix Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands for optimal mixing—trust me; it’s more fun

Add Balsamic Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix balsamic vinegar with ketchup until smooth. Drizzle half of this mixture into your beef mix and fold gently until just combined.

Mold Your Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or form it into a loaf shape on parchment paper—this helps with easy removal after baking.

Bake Away: Pop your lovingly crafted loaf into the oven for about 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Don’t forget to brush on more glaze halfway through

Once you’ve completed these steps successfully, let your masterpiece rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—it’s hard but so worth it

Serve slices warm with mashed potatoes or simply enjoy it straight from the plate while reminiscing about how you’ve mastered the art of comfort food

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix ingredients, allowing for a smooth transition from prep to baking. Shape the meatloaf and let it rest briefly before popping it into the oven for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like grated zucchini for an extra health kick. Experimenting with seasonings keeps this classic dish fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, preserving moisture and flavor.

Sharing my first experience making this best ever balsamic glazed meatloaf was hilarious; my family raved about it so much I thought they’d recommend me for a Michelin star

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in this meatloaf?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for a lighter dish.

What can I serve with this meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement this best ever balsamic glazed meatloaf perfectly.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the center when fully cooked.

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Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Enjoy a slice of our Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf, where sweet and tangy flavors come together for a comforting family favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until mixed well.
4. In a separate bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and ketchup. Add half of this mixture to the meat mixture and fold gently.
5. Shape the mixture into a loaf in a baking dish or on parchment paper.
6. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), brushing with additional glaze halfway through.
7. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg