Ketchup glazed meatloaf is the classic comfort dinner you remember from childhood: a tender, juicy loaf of ground beef topped with a sticky sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It takes about 15 minutes to mix, bakes for roughly an hour, and feeds six with leftovers to spare.
The recipe uses everyday ingredients, including ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, and eggs, with a three ingredient glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. A short rest at the end keeps the slices neat and moist.
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Why This Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf Recipe Works
Milk and bread crumbs form a panade that keeps the meat moist and tender, while the eggs bind everything so the loaf slices cleanly. Chopped onion adds flavor and a little moisture, and the salt and pepper keep the seasoning simple and classic.
The glaze is the star of this ketchup glazed meatloaf. Brown sugar softens the tang of the ketchup, and Worcestershire adds savory depth. Brushing it on partway through baking, instead of at the start, lets it thicken and shine without scorching.
Ingredients for Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup, for the glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, for the glaze
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for the glaze
How to Make Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
1. Preheat the oven
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or have a baking dish ready.
2. Mix the meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined. Overworking the meat makes the loaf dense.
3. Shape the loaf
Shape the mixture into an even oval loaf and place it on the baking sheet or in the dish.
4. Bake the first stage
Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes without any glaze.
5. Make and add the glaze
While the loaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.
6. Finish baking
Return the loaf to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 more minutes, until the glaze is set and a thermometer in the center reads 160 degrees F.
7. Rest and slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices.
How to Serve Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
Serve thick slices with creamy sides. Cheesy mashed potato puffs are a fun twist on the usual mash, and root beer baked beans add a sweet, smoky side. Soft honey butter dinner rolls are great for sandwiches, and great roasted carrots round out the plate.
How to Store and Reheat Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container and use them within 3 to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until hot all the way through at 165 degrees F. Leftover meatloaf makes a great cold sandwich with a swipe of extra ketchup. For longer storage, wrap slices well and freeze them in a sealed container.
Tips and Variations for Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
Use a thermometer rather than judging by color, and take the loaf out when the center reaches 160 degrees F. Choose 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the juiciest results. For extra flavor, mix in a little garlic powder or chopped parsley, and add a pinch of hot sauce to the glaze if you want some heat.
The color of cooked beef can mislead you, which is why the NDSU Prairie Fare column on safe temperatures recommends using a food thermometer and cooking ground beef to 160 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
What temperature should ketchup glazed meatloaf reach?
Cook it to 160 degrees F in the center for ground beef. Use an instant read thermometer for the most accurate reading.
Why add the glaze halfway through baking?
Sugar in the glaze can burn if it bakes for the full time. Adding it halfway lets it thicken and caramelize without scorching.
How do I keep ketchup glazed meatloaf from falling apart?
Use the eggs and bread crumbs as written, avoid overmixing, and let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Can I use leaner ground beef?
You can, but leaner beef can turn dry. If you use lean beef, add a little extra milk or finely grated onion for moisture.
Can I make ketchup glazed meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the loaf, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Glaze it halfway through, and add a few minutes to the time if it goes in cold.
Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf with Brown Sugar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup for the glaze
- ¼ cup brown sugar for the glaze
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for the glaze
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Mix the beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper with your hands until just combined.
- Shape into an even oval loaf on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- Whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire. Spread the glaze over the loaf.
- Bake 25 to 30 more minutes until the glaze is set and the center reads 160 degrees F.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
