Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf + Video

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf is amazing comfort food! Moist and delicious, this meatloaf glaze recipe comes together quickly. You can even make balsamic brown sugar glaze ahead of time, or freeze our best glazed meatloaf for later!

titled: Best Meatloaf Ever with Balsamic Glaze


 

Glazed Meatloaf

At long last, Chad finally gets his favorite meal. Yes, I know how shocking it is that out of all the fabulous Italian food and flavors that I provide him, he is still a Midwest meat and potatoes man. 

No matter how many fabulous recipes I make, my husband is a Midwest meat and potatoes man. Add a side of corn on the cob, and he is surely in heaven!!!

I can’t always judge his taste, though. This really is the best meatloaf with glaze I’ve ever made!

Recipe Video

To see us make the best meatloaf with glaze from start to finish, watch the video in this post!

Even better, it’s freezer-friendly — and balsamic glazed meatloaf makes for the best sandwiches!

I usually bake one and portion it out, then freeze it and pull it out as we want to eat it… Which is pretty often.

With make ahead breakfast burritos and an endless supply of ice box cake recipes, our freezer has every meal covered!

pouring milk over italian breadcrumbs and ground beef

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Ground Beef – You’ll want a lean blend — 80/20 or 80/15 is usually the sweet spot for the best glazed meatloaf with all beef.

    Too much fat will make it too greasy, but extra lean blends will make the loaf too dry.
  • Italian Breadcrumbs – If you only have plain on hand, there’s an easy fix! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning into 1 cup plain breadcrumbs.

    You can do the same thing with panko breadcrumbs as well.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Use this in both the loaf and the glaze. Quality makes a big difference in flavor, so use the nicest bottle you can get!
  • Spices – I live to use a combination of onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in this recipe.

    Feel free to leave out the nutmeg if you’re not a fan, or replace it with garlic powder instead.
mixing meatloaf ingredients by hand

Meatloaf Glaze Recipe Tips

I have been making this meatloaf glaze recipe for well over 10 years now. I love that it has a little Italian flair!

  • Don’t skip the balsamic brown sugar glaze!

The magic ingredient: balsamic vinegar! It adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar.

Plus, this simple combination is so much better than plain ketchup. You can even make extra for dipping!

  • Spread evenly.

Don’t just pour the balsamic mixture over the top! Take the extra time to spread it evenly over the loaf, as close to the edges as you can get.

A small silicone spatula is usually the best tool for the job, and you won’t lose any of that precious sauce.

  • Uncover for better flavor.

Remove the cover from the loaf pan during the final 15 minutes of cook time.

The direct heat creates a caramelization effect for the best meatloaf with glaze ever!

balsamic vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar in bowl

Serving Suggestions

You can’t have glazed meatloaf without mashed potatoes. In fact, Munchkin preferred them mixed together when she was younger!

I like it straight out of the pan, served with a baked potato or rice and a vegetable like Italian green beans.

Then, slice up leftovers and serve them cold on some Amish White Bread as sandwiches!

spreading glaze on uncooked meatloaf with spoon

Best Glazed Meatloaf FAQ

How do I know if my meatloaf is done?

Aside from following the baking directions, the easiest method is with a digital meat thermometer.

Insert the probe into the very center for best results. Remove glazed meatloaf when the internal temperature reaches 155°F.

Then, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. It will continue to cook to a perfect 160°F as it sits, and the juices will settle evenly throughout the loaf.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

The milk! It soaks into the breadcrumbs, which are then distributed throughout the loaf. Such an easy way to add moisture without too much extra fat.

If you only have extra lean ground beef (think a 93/7 blend), then you may want to add some ground pork or veal to make up the difference.

Storing and Reheating Best Meatloaf with Glaze

Allow glazed meatloaf to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

To freeze, remove from the pan and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 6 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Microwave individual slices, or warm larger pieces of loaf in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F

You can also whip up a little extra balsamic brown sugar glaze to spread over the top when reheating.

slices of meatloaf on plate with green beans

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter Pinterest | Instagram 


meatloaf topped with balsamic brown sugar glaze

balsamic glazed meatloaf

Best Ever Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf + Video

Donna Elick
The Best Glazed Meatloaf EVER — juicy and delicious, with a balsamic brown sugar glaze. This freezer-friendly recipe comes together fast!
5 stars from 3 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Oven
Servings 6

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup, divided
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, add beef and breadcrumbs. Pour the milk directly over the bread crumbs.
    Add 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, nutmeg, pepper, salt and onion powder. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, crack egg and whisk it slightly. Add egg to the meat mixture. (This helps to prevent overworking the meat while combining.) Use your hands to combine ingredients well, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
  • Form meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and then transfer to a roasting pan (I use glass). Free form into a loaf shape. You may notice cracks in the loaf. Run your hands under warm water and then across the meatloaf to smooth the cracks out. Set meatloaf aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix well with a fork. Apply glaze evenly to the top of your meatloaf.
  • Cover pan with aluminum foil. Place meatloaf in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The sides of loaf should be lightly browned before removing foil.
  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, then remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes.
    Slice, serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 223cal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 622mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled image (and shown): Best Ever Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Originally published August 2011. Updated and republished August 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The Simple Kitchen cookbook affiliate linked banner

45 Comments

  1. This is the best meatloaf I have ever eaten. It is perfect just as it is written and way more moist than it looks in that picture. My family is already asking me to make it again. Thank you for another amazing recipe.

  2. Here's an easy and delicious meatloaf for your files….add beefy onion soup mix with just a little water and a half cup or so of your favorite BBQ sauce…mix and bake! It really is savory and satisfying! Good luck!

    1. Great idea on the meatloaf topping, Jon. I bet it’s delicious with spicy ketchup!

      TSRI Team member,
      Becca

    1. Hi Val,
      This is our favorite meatloaf, we know you will love it! Enjoy and let us know how it goes!
      TSRI Team Member,
      Holli

  3. 5 stars
    This is one of our favorite dishes. The only thing we have changed is we make 3 times the glaze. Thanks for a great receipt

  4. Hi there,iam going to make this meat loaf looks so good,was wondering if I can make ahead of time and just leave in fridge till ready to bake

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating