Meatloaf is a classic comfort food for good reason. I know you might think it’s old-fashioned, but I want to show you two incredible meatloaf recipes that will make dinner exciting again. Both are easy to make and packed with great taste.
Whether you like a little heat or prefer a sweet and tangy topping, these meatloaf dinners are perfect for any weeknight. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Chipotle Meatloaf: A Zesty Dinner Idea
- 2. Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Meal
Chipotle Meatloaf: A Zesty Dinner Idea
If you like a little heat, this Chipotle Meatloaf is for you. It brings a gentle smoky spice that transforms a weeknight meal into something special.
This recipe is simple to prepare and offers a nice kick that your family will appreciate.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chipotle Meatloaf
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These peppers add a deep smoky heat and rich flavor to your meatloaf. Just a little bit goes a long way to make your dish stand out.
- Crushed Crackers: Using crushed saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out while baking.
What You Need for Chipotle Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup crushed saltine crackers
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (use more or less for your preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 60 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Chipotle Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed crackers, egg, minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s just combined, but don’t overmix.
Step 2: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze Again
Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes. Remove it from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return it to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
📝 Final Note
This meatloaf tastes even better the next day as a sandwich! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Meal
This recipe takes a classic and makes it truly shine with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze. It’s the perfect easy meal for any night of the week.
You will love how simple and delicious this traditional family favorite is to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Brown Sugar Ketchup Meatloaf
- Milk-Soaked Bread: Soaking bread in milk before adding it to your meatloaf helps keep the meatloaf incredibly moist and tender. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.
- Glaze Application: Apply the glaze in two stages. This helps build a delicious caramelized crust without burning the sugar too early in the cooking process.
What You Need for Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 slice of bread, crust removed, torn into small pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Glaze: 3/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 60 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, soak the torn bread pieces in milk for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Squeeze any extra milk from the bread and add the soaked bread to the meat mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Step 2: Form the Loaf and Make the Glaze
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and dry mustard for the glaze. Spread about one-third of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 3: Bake and Finish with Glaze
Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, apply the remaining glaze, and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is nicely caramelized. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
📝 Final Note
For an even richer flavor, let the meatloaf mixture sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors blend together.
