Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze
A moist, flavorful meatloaf with a fragrant herb crust and tangy tomato glaze, baked to golden perfection for a comforting weeknight main. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs pounds ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Finely chop onion and garlic, then mix with breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, dried parsley, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add ground beef to the bowl and mix gently with hands for 3 minutes until evenly combined — avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender.
- Step 3: Transfer mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan, pressing evenly into the pan with damp hands. Create a slight indentation down the center with your fingers.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to make the glaze. Pour evenly over the meatloaf, spreading to cover the top completely.
- Step 5: Bake for 50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized at the edges.
- Step 6: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute — this ensures a moist, sliceable meatloaf.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 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 Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze?
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 pounds ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze?
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 Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze 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 Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
