There’s something magical about the aroma of Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf wafting through the kitchen. Imagine juicy meatloaf drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze that glistens like a fresh coat of polish. It’s a dish that screams comfort and warmth, perfect for any family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner.
I still remember my first attempt at making meatloaf; it was a culinary adventure filled with laughter and a few questionable decisions. Little did I know that adding balsamic vinegar would elevate this classic dish to new heights, turning it into a flavor explosion that my family couldn’t get enough of. savory beef and cheese burrito Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or a bustling weekday, this recipe brings everyone together around the table, eagerly waiting for their slice of savory goodness.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf is easy to prepare and will delight your taste buds with its sweet and tangy flavors. The beautiful caramelized glaze adds an appealing finish to the dish. Perfect for meal prepping or serving at gatherings, this versatile meatloaf can be enjoyed in various ways, including sandwiches or as leftovers! [/info_box]
I’ll never forget the time I served this to my friends, and they were convinced I had some secret chef skills hidden away.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe.
Bread Crumbs: I prefer seasoned bread crumbs for added texture and flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the meatloaf with freshness.
Onion: Use finely chopped onion to infuse sweetness into every bite.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to keep your meatloaf nice and firm.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star ingredient adds a rich, tangy sweetness that’s hard to beat.
Ketchup: Ketchup not only adds sweetness but also helps keep the meatloaf moist.
Brown Sugar: A hint of brown sugar brings out the depth of flavors in the glaze.
Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with beef.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients. This step ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions until they are soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This takes about 5 minutes.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, sautéed onions, parsley, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing for juiciness.
Add Balsamic Glaze Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar until smooth. Reserve half for glazing later.
Shape Your Meatloaf**: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Ensure there’s some space around it for even cooking.
Glaze It Up!: Brush half of the balsamic glaze over the top of the meatloaf before placing it in the oven. This creates a delicious crust as it bakes.
Bake for about 60 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you want extra caramelization on top, you can add more glaze during the last 10 minutes.
Once done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf so each slice is perfectly juicy.
Now grab your forks because this Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf is ready to steal the show! Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for an incredible meal experience. crispy sweet potato fries stuffed sweet potatoes with mushrooms
This recipe is not just about creating something delicious; it’s about gathering loved ones around your table and sharing laughter over comforting food. So go ahead—make this Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf today and watch how quickly it becomes everyone’s favorite! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf is not just a meal; it’s a comfort food masterpiece. The sweet and tangy glaze creates an irresistible aroma, and the juicy texture will melt in your mouth. It’s perfect for any family gathering or cozy evening at home. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatloaf. Bake it uncovered to allow that glorious glaze to caramelize perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavor boost!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven, drizzled with extra balsamic glaze.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use lean meat for a tender loaf; otherwise, excess fat may cause sogginess. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to enhance juiciness and flavor. Always use a meat thermometer; aim for 160°F for perfectly cooked meatloaf. [/info_box]
Cooking this Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone went back for seconds.
FAQ
How can I make my meatloaf more flavorful?
Add sautéed onions and garlic to enhance the overall taste of your Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf. creamy garlic butter pasta.
Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
Yes, slice and freeze individual portions of your Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf for easy meals later.
What sides go well with meatloaf?
Serve your Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf
Indulge in the warmth of Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy ground beef enveloped in a glossy balsamic glaze, making it an irresistible addition to any family gathering or weeknight dinner. With its delightful aroma and rich texture, this meatloaf promises to become a cherished favorite at your table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, sautéed onions, parsley, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar; reserve half for later glaze.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. Brush the top with half of the balsamic glaze.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat with additional balsamic glaze for moisture.
