Slow-Baked Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

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

A tender meatloaf with a sweet tomato glaze, baked slowly to lock in juices for a family favorite. This american-inspired beef ready in about 100 minutes pairs Ground beef, Breadcrumbs, large Egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Press mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar.
  3. Step 3: Spread glaze evenly over meatloaf. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Baked Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Baked 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 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 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.

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