Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust

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

A classic meatloaf with a sweet-tangy tomato glaze and a fragrant herb crust, baked to perfection with no dryness. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, bread crumbs, 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: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Form mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf shape and place in a greased baking dish.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp tomato paste to make the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Spread glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme over the glaze, then bake for 55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Step 7: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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 Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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 Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust 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 Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

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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