If you’re looking for a truly classic dish that’s firmly established on American tables, Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf is the perfect choice. It delivers a modern American comfort classic with juicy perfection. All the instructions are explained in simple terms.
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Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf : Juicy Perfection
If you’re looking for a comforting dinner on busy days, meatloaf is a favorite comfort food in the United States, making it a great Sunday meal.
This classic has firmly established itself on American dinner tables, but this traditional meatloaf is given a modern twist with bold flavors and a moisture-locking technique and a smoky maple glaze. This recipe is even better than usual.
Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf is juicy, tender, and packed with a savory depth, making it perfect and easy for beginners. This meatloaf is a great way to make it for family and guests, with step-by-step instructions. From choosing the right ingredients to baking tips, the process for making the perfect meatloaf is thoroughly explained.
Why this meatloaf recipe is different:
- No dry or crumbly texture
- Beef creates a perfect balance of flavor and moisture
- Very easy pantry ingredients
- A sweet smoky glaze with a finishing touch
- A favorite for USA dinner tables
- Freezer-friendly and family-friendly
All the ingredients needed:
Ingredients for the meatloaf:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 for optimum juiciness
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – optional
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for the smoky maple glaze:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kitchen essentials:
- Foil or parchment paper
- A large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Small bowl for glaze
- Oven
How to Make Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf: Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), as this temperature ensures the meatloaf stays moist and cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture
- Use a large bowl and combine the ingredients in the appropriate quantities
- breadcrumbs and
- milk
- Let stand for 3 to 4 minutes.
- This step creates the panade, which is crucial for keeping the meatloaf juicy and moist.
3. Adding Seasonings and Aromatics
- Add all the ingredients to the breadcrumb mixture:
- Garlic
- Egg
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Pepper and salt
- Ketchup
- Smoked paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Add all the ingredients and mix gently until combined.
4. Adding the Ground Beef
- Now add the ground beef to the bowl.
- Using a spatula or clean hands, mix slowly until it’s all combined.
- Be careful not to mix for too long, as the meatloaf will thicken.
5. Shaping the Meatloaf
- You can:
- Use a lightly greased loaf pan and press the mixer into it, or
- free-form it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Both methods work well.
- Free-form loafs tend to have crispier edges.
6. Making the Smoky Maple Glaze
- Use a small bowl and combine:
- Maple syrup
- Ketchup
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Mix until smooth.
7. Applying the Glaze to the Meatloaf
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and then bake.
8. Baking
- Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove it and spread the remaining glaze over it.
- Return it to the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, 71°C.
9. Slicing and Resting
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 12 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf goes perfectly with American side dishes like-
- Roasted Carrots
- Garlic Green Beans
- Buttered Corn
- Mashed Creamy Potatoes
- Mac and Cheese
- For a modern touch, serve with a fresh side salad or mashed sweet potatoes for a classic look.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers and keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the slices individually or freeze the entire loaf and keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Cover and heat in the oven at 325°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Microwave slices for 28 to 30 seconds at intervals.
Top Tips for Homestyle Meatloaf:
- When slicing the meatloaf, be sure to let it rest first.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for more flavor.
- Always chop the onion finely to avoid a crunchy texture.
- Add cheese if you prefer more richness.
- Don’t skip the panade, as it prevents dryness.
Nutrition:
- Nutrition per serving of Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf:
- Protein: 28g
- Calories: 380-420
- Carbohydrate: 18g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
Answers to questions about Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf and how to fix mistakes while making it, so you can make classic, restaurant-like meatloaf at home.
Q. How do I tell if the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature for beef should reach 160°F.
Q. Can I make the meatloaf in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can use 94% lean ground turkey, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for moisture.
Q. How can I make the meatloaf moist?
To make it moist, it’s best to use breadcrumbs and milk and avoid overmixing the meatloaf. This locks in moisture and keeps the texture soft.
Q. Is meatloaf healthy?
Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf can be part of a balanced diet, but eat it with vegetables and control portion size for a healthy meal.
Q. Why does meatloaf fall apart?
It falls apart due to:
Not enough breadcrumbs
Cutting before resting
Too little egg
Q. Should meatloaf be covered while baking?
No! Bake uncovered because a good glaze caramelizes, resulting in a wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf proves that a classic American comfort food can still taste fresh, exciting, and incredibly authentic.
With its rich flavor and soft texture, it’s one of the most beloved glazes. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal-prep, or cozy weekends at home, making it a surefire favorite.
If you want a restaurant-quality, authentic meatloaf that stays true to American dinner traditions, the Smoky Maple Glazed Homestyle Meatloaf recipe is a perfect addition to your kitchen and deserves a permanent place.