Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze
A classic meatloaf slow-baked with aromatic herbs and a tangy tomato glaze, embodying the enduring comfort of American home cooking. This american-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs Ground beef (80% lean), Onion, finely chopped, Garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 1/2 lbs Ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 2: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Spread evenly over meatloaf surface.
- Step 3: Bake in preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F and glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground Beef Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 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 Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground 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 ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground 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 Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground 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 Slow-Baked Herb-Infused Ground 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a Sunday dinner, so moist and flavorful!
- ★★★★★
Loved the herb infusion! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the tomato glaze burned a bit on the edges.
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