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Looking for a delicious family dinner that impresses without the stress? This Sweet Tangy Glazed Meatloaf is your answer! With a perfect balance of rich flavors and a mouth-watering glaze, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, turkey, and fresh veggies, this recipe brings joy to mealtime. Let’s dive into this tasty treat and make your next dinner memorable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of ground beef and turkey creates a deliciously rich and savory meatloaf, enhanced by the sweetness of the glaze.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Glaze: The tangy glaze can be adjusted to your taste, allowing you to experiment with different flavors to suit your preference.
- Great for Leftovers: This meatloaf makes delicious leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, salads, or simply reheated for another satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
These main ingredients create a hearty and tasty base for the meatloaf. The mix of ground beef and turkey gives it a nice balance of flavor and texture. Chopped onion and bell pepper add sweetness and crunch. Garlic adds depth, and the eggs and milk help bind everything together.
Glaze Ingredients
– 1/3 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
The glaze brings the sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf. Ketchup is a classic choice for sweetness. Brown sugar adds rich flavor, while apple cider vinegar brings a sharp tang. Dijon mustard and smoked paprika add layers of taste and a hint of smokiness.
Serving Size and Nutritional Information
– Servings: 6-8
– Estimated calories per serving: 350
This meatloaf is perfect for family dinners. It serves six to eight, making it great for gatherings. Each serving packs about 350 calories, so it’s tasty yet satisfying without being too heavy. Enjoy it with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of ground turkey. This blend gives a great taste and texture.
3. Next, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped bell pepper. These add flavor and moisture.
4. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup of milk. These ingredients help bind the meatloaf.
5. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
6. Lastly, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Mix until everything is combined, but don’t overwork the meat. This keeps the meatloaf tender.
7. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
Glazing and Baking Instructions
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the glaze: 1/3 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This mixture gives the meatloaf its sweet and tangy flavor.
2. Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf, saving the rest for later.
3. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
4. After 1 hour, take the meatloaf out. Brush it with the reserved glaze.
5. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize, creating a delicious crust.
Resting and Slicing
1. Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside when you slice it.
2. For cutting, use a sharp knife. This keeps the slices neat and intact. Serve the meatloaf on a platter. Drizzle with any extra glaze and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a perfect meal.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Flavor
To get the best flavor in your meatloaf, do not overwork the meat. When you mix it too much, the meatloaf can become tough. Just mix until everything is combined.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze to your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For more tang, add a bit of extra apple cider vinegar. Taste as you go!
Ensuring Proper Cooking
To know when your meatloaf is done, check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.
To bake evenly, place the meatloaf in the center of the oven. This helps it cook all around. If you have a dark baking dish, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C).
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful dish, slice the meatloaf and place it on a nice platter. Drizzle extra glaze over the top. This makes it look more appetizing.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Serve with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor of your meatloaf, making it more vibrant and delicious.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat and other ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender and not dense.
- Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moister slice.
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients in the glaze, such as adding hot sauce for a kick or honey for extra sweetness.

Variations
Meat Substitutions
You can easily change the meat in this recipe. Ground chicken or ground pork works well. Both add a nice flavor. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them and mix them like meat. This will keep the texture hearty.
Flavor Variations
Want to spice things up? Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mix. They bring a fresh taste. For the glaze, try using honey or barbecue sauce instead of ketchup. Each choice gives the meatloaf a new twist. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Cooking Methods
Not in the mood for the oven? Use a slow cooker instead. Just shape the meatloaf and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about six hours. If you love grilling, try that too! Shape the meatloaf and grill it on medium heat. This gives it a great smoky flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your meatloaf fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This method helps maintain its flavor and texture. Make sure to store leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze meatloaf to enjoy later. First, let it cool completely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer bag. Label it with the date. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Shelf Life
When stored in the fridge, meatloaf lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it correctly, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating.
FAQs
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
To check if your meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf. You want it to read 160°F (70°C). This means the meatloaf is safe to eat.
You can also look for visual cues. The meatloaf should be firm and no longer pink in the center. The glaze should look caramelized and shiny.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meatloaf in advance. Mix the ingredients and shape it into a loaf. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
When you’re ready to cook, just bake it as usual. If you freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through. This way, you can enjoy a warm meal without a lot of fuss.
What can I serve with Sweet Tangy Glazed Meatloaf?
There are many great sides to serve with meatloaf. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They pair well with the sweet tangy glaze.
You can also serve roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. Green beans or a fresh salad are great for balance. These options help create a complete meal everyone will love.
In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and preparation techniques for making a delicious meatloaf. We discussed the main ingredients, the zesty glaze, and how to ensure it cooks evenly. I shared tips for flavor, presentation, and storage to help you succeed. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Whether you choose different meats or add spices, the options are endless. Enjoy creating your perfect meatloaf, and don’t forget to savor every bit
Sweet Tangy Glazed Meatloaf
A delicious meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 55 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 cup parsley, chopped
- 0.33 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and turkey.
Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika for the glaze.
Pour half of the glaze over the meatloaf, reserving the other half for later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
After 1 hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with the reserved glaze.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice the meatloaf and serve it on a platter, drizzled with extra glaze, and garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Accompany with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, dinner, glazed, meatloaf, turkey
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