Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf

The aroma of a perfectly baked meatloaf wafting through the house is like a warm hug from grandma—nostalgic and comforting. Imagine biting into the tender blend of savory ground beef and zesty balsamic glaze; it’s an explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds.

This Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. Picture this: family gathered around the dinner table after a long day, laughter filling the air as they dig into this delightful dish. Trust me; there will be no leftovers!

One Sunday evening, I decided to whip up this recipe for my friends who always claimed they didn’t like meatloaf. By the end of dinner, they were asking for seconds and even thirds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture without being overly greasy.
• Breadcrumbs: I prefer using plain breadcrumbs to keep the focus on the incredible flavors in this recipe.
• Eggs: Two large eggs work best as they bind all ingredients together perfectly.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture; make sure it’s fresh!
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings out an aromatic depth that completes this savory dish beautifully.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar for that sweet yet tangy glaze that transforms your meatloaf.
• Ketchup: Use ketchup not only for flavor but also for creating that classic meatloaf texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami goodness; don’t skip it unless you want bland meat.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all those lovely flavors we’re combining.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley provides a touch of color and freshness to your finished dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a loaf pan or line one with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and aromatic—about 5 minutes will do.

Mix It All Up: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, ketchup, and half of the balsamic vinegar.

Mold Your Masterpiece: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form while making sure it’s evenly packed.

Add That Glaze: Brush the remaining balsamic vinegar over the top of your meatloaf generously; it will caramelize beautifully as it bakes.

Bake to Perfection: Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Enjoy those mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen!

Now you have made an unforgettable Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf! Serve it hot with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a complete meal that feels like home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly, then shape the meatloaf and let it rest before baking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delicious glaze.

There was that one time I hosted a potluck and brought this meatloaf. Let’s just say my friends now think I’m a culinary genius, when really, it was just this recipe doing all the heavy lifting!

FAQ

Can I use lean ground beef for this meatloaf?

Yes, but mix in some moisture-rich ingredients to avoid dryness.

How long should I bake the meatloaf?

Bake your meatloaf at 350°F for about 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

What can I serve with balsamic glazed meatloaf?

Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of this Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf, where tender beef meets a tangy glaze, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (divided)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, ketchup, and half of the balsamic vinegar.
4. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
5. Brush the remaining balsamic vinegar over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 90mg