Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A timeless meatloaf with a sweet-tangy tomato glaze, made with ground beef and aromatic vegetables. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 85 minutes, pairs ground beef, egg, dry bread crumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Finely chop onion and garlic, then mix with ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a large bowl until combined.
  2. Step 2: Press mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, then spread ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar evenly over the top. Bake for 50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze will have thickened and caramelized slightly, creating a glossy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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