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Tender Meat Loaf Recipe with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Tender Meat Loaf Recipe with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe

If you love classic comfort food, this Tender Meat Loaf Recipe with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe is perfect.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Loaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sweet Ketchup Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions
  

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan lightly with oil or butter.

Mix Meat Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently.

Shape the Loaf

  • Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it in the prepared loaf pan evenly.

Prepare Glaze

  • In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and paprika until smooth.

Apply Glaze

  • Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meat loaf. Reserve the rest for later.

Bake the Meat Loaf

  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the loaf to cook and retain juices.

Add Remaining Glaze

  • Remove the meat loaf from oven. Spread the remaining glaze on top and bake for another 10–15 minutes.

Rest Before Slicing

  • Let meat loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it tender and prevents crumbling.

Serve

  • Slice the meat loaf and serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables or salad.

Notes

  • Use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor
  • Add chopped bell peppers or carrots inside the loaf
  • Substitute ketchup glaze with barbecue sauce for variation
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for lighter texture
  • Avoid overmixing meat to keep it tender
  • Top with fresh herbs like parsley for garnish
  • Serve leftovers as sandwiches
Keyword Tender Meat Loaf Recipe with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe