Slow-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil Glaze
A moist, flavorful meatloaf with a sweet-tangy tomato basil glaze, baked until golden. This american-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs pound ground beef, pound ground pork, finely chopped onion 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 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix with hands until evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan, shape into a loaf, and smooth the top.
- Step 3: Bake for 45 minutes, then prepare glaze by whisking 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Brush glaze evenly over meatloaf, return to oven, and bake for 15 minutes until glaze is bubbly and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil 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-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil 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 pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil 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-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil 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-Cooked Meatloaf with Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The glaze was delicious and not too sweet. My kids even ate it without complaining.
- ★★★★★
The slow-cooked method is a game-changer! I made it for my husband's birthday, and everyone raved about the tender texture and the perfect balance of tomato and basil.
- ★★★★★
This meatloaf was a hit with my family! The tomato basil glaze made it so flavorful, and the slow-cooked method kept it moist.
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