There’s something so comforting about a slice of Classic Glazed Meatloaf—moist, tender, and coated with a sweet-savory glaze.

It reminds me of cozy family dinners growing up, when the whole house smelled like home.

This version is simple, flavorful, and never dry. It’s the kind of no-fail dinner that brings everyone back for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

Moist and tender texture every time

Balanced seasoning with herbs, garlic, and Worcestershire

The ketchup-brown sugar glaze is the perfect finishing touch

Uses pantry staples—nothing fancy, just good food

Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground beef – 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for moisture

Breadcrumbs – Help bind everything together

Onion and garlic – Add aromatic depth

Eggs and milk – Keep the meatloaf soft and rich

Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami flavor

Dried herbs – Thyme and oregano add savory warmth

Ketchup & brown sugar – Classic glaze combo: tangy + sweet

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t overmix – Gently combine for tender texture

Let it rest – Keeps juices locked in after baking

Use a thermometer – Internal temp of 160°F is key

Glaze halfway – Add extra glaze during baking for a deeper finish

Make it ahead – Assemble in advance, then bake when ready

How to Make Classic Glazed Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the loaf is assembled.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano.

Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

If using a pan, press evenly without packing it too tightly.

Step 4: Make and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and brown sugar.

Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) in the center.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

This helps the juices settle and makes for cleaner slices.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into thick slices and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or green beans.

What to Serve It With

Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy

Garlic butter green beans or roasted carrots

Buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread

Classic coleslaw for crunch

Mac and cheese for indulgent comfort

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground turkey or pork – For a lighter version

Add grated carrot or zucchini – For moisture and sneaky veggies

Top with BBQ sauce – For a smoky twist

Use Italian seasoning – If you’re out of thyme/oregano

Make mini loaves – Bake in muffin tins for portion control

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Reheat – Microwave gently or warm in a 300°F oven

Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze slices up to 2 months

Repurpose – Try leftovers in sandwiches or crumble into pasta sauce

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Why is my meatloaf dry?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause dryness—use a thermometer and handle gently.

Can I use fresh herbs instead?
Definitely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Can I double the glaze?
Yes! It’s delicious—many people love extra glaze for dipping or drizzling.

Do I need a loaf pan?
No—you can shape the meatloaf on a sheet pan for more crust and quicker cook time.

How do I know it’s fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer—160°F is the magic number for ground beef.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure all sauces are GF-certified.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Glazed Meatloaf is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—and maybe even back for seconds.

It’s hearty, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week, this tried-and-true recipe always delivers comfort and flavor.

The Boat Shed Kitchen