Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple Glaze
A comforting American favorite with a sweet-tangy glaze, featuring tender ground beef and savory herbs. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 80 minutes pairs pounds ground beef, breadcrumbs, large egg 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 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined—do not overwork.
- Step 2: Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan and press firmly into an even rectangle. Bake for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Step 3: While meatloaf bakes, whisk together 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Remove meatloaf from oven, brush generously with glaze, and return to oven for 15 minutes until glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple 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 Smith's Classic Meatloaf with Maple Glaze?
American one pot 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 some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
