This tasty meatloaf brings a twist with its sweet and tart balsamic glaze. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table!
Guess what? The glaze makes leftovers even better! I love making meatloaf sandwiches the next day. It’s like a tasty little surprise waiting for me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken can work well too!
Breadcrumbs: Standard breadcrumbs are great, but you can use panko for a crispier texture. If gluten-free is what you need, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and crunch, but you can skip it or use finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini if you want a different flavor profile. Both will blend well!
Balsamic Vinegar: If balsamic isn’t available, red wine vinegar is a good substitute, just a little less sweet. You can also try apple cider vinegar for a fruity twist.
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Tender Meatloaf?
One popular challenge with meatloaf is keeping it moist. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk keeps the meatloaf moist as it cooks.
- Mix your ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Let your meatloaf rest after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps each slice juicy!
With these tips, your meatloaf will come out tender and bursting with flavor each time! Enjoy!
Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meatloaf takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll spend a bit mixing and shaping the meatloaf, and while it’s in the oven, you can relax and prepare your favorite sides!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove later.
2. Soaking the Breadcrumbs:
In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and pour in the milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the mixture is absorbed. This will help keep your meatloaf moist!
3. Mixing Ingredients:
To the soaked breadcrumbs, add ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper (if you’re using it), eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough!
4. Shaping the Meatloaf:
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan. If you prefer, you can also place it directly on a baking sheet for a more rustic look.
5. Making the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine ketchup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using) to create the glaze. Mix well until it’s smooth.
6. Glazing the Meatloaf:
Spread half of the balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before putting it in the oven.
7. Baking Time:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, spread the remaining glaze on top and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Resting and Slicing:
Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and delicious!
9. Serving:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, just like in the photo!
Enjoy your flavorful, tangy balsamic glazed meatloaf! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Lean ground turkey or chicken works well, but be mindful that it may result in a drier meatloaf. To keep it moist, consider adding a bit more milk or some finely chopped vegetables.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape it into a loaf when ready to bake and adjust the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist if needed.
What Should I Serve with Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad. You can also serve it as a sandwich with your favorite bread and toppings for a delicious next-day meal!