If you’re craving comfort food that brings a cozy, homemade vibe to your table, this Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. The blend of hearty ground beef packed with flavorful stuffing mix, accented by warming herbs and a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet glaze, creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and delightfully surprising. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that transforms classic meatloaf into a new favorite, combining textures and flavors in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the rich flavors and delightful texture of this Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe. From the savory beef to the aromatic herbs and the signature sweet-and-tangy glaze, every element is a key player.
- Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): Provides the hearty, rich base that forms the meatloaf’s foundation.
- Stuffing mix (6 oz): Infuses the meatloaf with a unique savory texture and herbaceous flavor, making every bite interesting.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle crunch that complements the meat perfectly.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping all the ingredients together without drying out the loaf.
- Milk (1 cup): Moistens the stuffing mix so it integrates smoothly, ensuring tenderness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Brings depth and umami, enhancing the meat’s savory notes.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Offers a fragrant punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Introduces a fragrant herbal note that’s subtle but memorable.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out all the flavors beautifully.
- Ketchup (½ cup): The base for the glaze, providing tanginess and moisture.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the ketchup’s acidity with a caramel-like sweetness.
- Mustard (1 tbsp): Either yellow or Dijon adds a zesty kick, heightening the glaze’s complexity.
How to Make Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper. This helps ensure your meatloaf will come out effortlessly once it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of milk. Let this sit for about 5 minutes so the stuffing absorbs the milk and softens up, forming a moist base that will blend seamlessly into the meatball mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the dish—ground beef. Add it to the softened stuffing mix along with finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix as keeping the mixture light prevents a dense meatloaf.
Step 4: Form the Meatloaf
Transfer your well-mixed meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press it down, shaping it into a neat loaf that will cook evenly and look inviting once out of the oven.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and your choice of mustard until smooth. This tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze is what elevates this dish beyond ordinary meatloaf, adding a glistening, flavorful topping that caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the glaze evenly across the top of your meatloaf. Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The slow baking allows all those vibrant flavors to meld, while the glaze creates a shiny, irresistible crust.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This waiting time lets the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices ready to impress your family or guests.
How to Serve Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes right alongside to soak up every bit of that tangy glaze.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or glazed carrots. You can also try a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatloaf and make the meal feel lighter but still satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, slice the meatloaf and place smaller portions on toasted bread for a meatloaf sandwich, layered with crisp lettuce and a swipe of mayo or extra ketchup. It’s a playful way to enjoy this Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe beyond the traditional plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the meatloaf covered well helps maintain moisture and flavor for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save extra portions, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave or warm in a 325°F oven covered with foil to keep from drying out. For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, add a little extra glaze on top before warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork work beautifully and can offer a leaner or richer taste, respectively. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
What kind of stuffing mix is best for this recipe?
Any variety works, but traditional herb-flavored stuffing or cornbread stuffing mix brings the best complementary flavors. Feel free to experiment with savory blends you enjoy most.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are gluten-free certified. This simple swap keeps all the deliciousness intact.
Is there a way to make the glaze spicier?
Yes! Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the glaze mixture to introduce a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), it’s perfectly cooked, safe to eat, and still juicy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a hearty, comforting dish like this Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, I encourage you to try this recipe—it’s bound to become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Stuffing Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Stuffing Meatloaf combines savory ground beef with flavorful stuffing mix for an easy and comforting dinner. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a tangy ketchup glaze, this classic baked meatloaf is perfect for family meals and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (any variety)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the milk and soften the stuffing mixture.
- Mix the Meatloaf: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the softened stuffing mixture. Mix everything gently until well combined, ensuring you do not overwork the meat to keep the loaf tender.
- Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape it into a loaf.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures it remains moist and holds together well.
- You can customize the stuffing mix to add different flavors such as herb or cornbread stuffing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately and avoid overcooking.
- If preferred, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Glaze ingredients can be adjusted to taste for more sweetness or tanginess.
