Easy Ketchup Meatloaf (with Glaze!)

When searching for nostalgic recipes from childhood, look no further than this Easy Ketchup Meatloaf, made with tender ground beef, lots of seasonings, and topped with a sweet and spicy ketchup glaze!

Many of us looked forward to mom’s meatloaf night so we could dunk each savory bite into some fluffy mashed potatoes. Bring that nostalgia to your weeknight dinners with this juicy Easy Ketchup Meatloaf, topped with a ketchup glaze that is sweet, tart, and slightly spicy. Serve with your favorite classic sides for a perfect square supper!

The Secret to Juicy Meatloaf

Unfortunately, not all meatloaves are created the same. It can be easy to make a meatloaf that has the consistency of a hockey puck if you are not careful. Don’t worry; there is a foolproof method to making the most tender meatloaf you’ve ever had, and the secret lies within a common kitchen item everyone already has.

Overmixing meatloaf mix directly leads to a tough result. You only want to mix until the ingredients are just combined. In addition, the heat from your hands when mixing melts away some fat in the meat, which is crucial for a juicy meatloaf.

Instead of overmixing with your hands, combine the meatloaf using two forks. With one fork in each hand, you can easily break up the ground meat and mix in the seasonings. This way, it is less likely you will overmix and the heat from your hands is not melting any crucial fat in the recipe.

This technique works for creating juicy meatloaf, meatballs, or any other ground meat dish that you like!

Why Make a Glaze?

Topping meatloaf with a sauce is customary and varies by region. Some folks like their meatloaves topped with a savory beef gravy. Others prefer BBQ sauce. Most commonly, you will find a ketchup glaze (or simply ketchup) atop a standard meatloaf. 

The glaze helps add even more moisture and flavor to the final result. Generally, dishes that dance on the palate are recipes that include sweetness, acidity, fat, salt, and heat. With a sweet and tart ketchup glaze, you get all of the elements that make your mouth water. Seriously, you’ll never make another meatloaf recipe again!

Ingredients in Easy Ketchup Meatloaf

Use these delicious ingredients to create the BEST meatloaf ever! You’ll need:

• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 2½ pounds ground beef or meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (gluten-free if desired)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

For the Ketchup Glaze:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Ketchup Meatloaf

1. Add your chopped onions and olive oil to a small skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. In a large bowl, add the cooked onions and garlic, ground beef, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

3. Using two forks, mix the meatloaf mixture well until everything is well-combined. Using your hands to mix will warm the fat in the meat, leading to a dry meatloaf. Make sure to use forks!

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

5. Spray a loaf pan or rimmed baking dish with nonstick spray. Add the meatloaf mixture and shape into a mound.

6. Bake for 45 minutes until browned on top.

7. While baking, combine the ingredients for the Ketchup Glaze in a medium bowl. After 45 minutes, add the glaze over the top of the meat. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool 10 minutes before slicing. 

9. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

Recipe Notes/Tips/Troubleshooting:

If you do not have milk, use all beef broth. If you do not have beef broth, use all milk for the liquid in this recipe.

Use either a loaf pan or shape the meatloaf mix into a mound in a high-sided baking dish. Fat will render, so account for that before you put it in the oven!

Storage:

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze the entire meatloaf or in slices for up to 6 months.

FAQs

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