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Sweet Savory Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


  • Total Time: 90-110
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Classic comfort food featuring a blend of ground beef and pork, flavorful vegetables, and a tangy-sweet glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup finely diced celery
  • 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, celery, and green bell pepper until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
  5. Combine Everything: Add ground beef, ground pork, and sautéed vegetables to the bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press down evenly.
  7. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  8. Apply First Glaze Layer: Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Apply Second Glaze Layer: Remove from oven and spread remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  11. Rest: Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Tent loosely with foil.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture, or it will be tough.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Sautéing the vegetables beforehand mellows out their flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
  • Meatloaf freezes well, cooked or uncooked.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes