If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s versatile and perfect for meal prep, this glazed meatloaf recipe is just the answer. Whether you prefer the traditional meat-based version or a hearty vegan option, this recipe provides both options. Made with basic, affordable ingredients you probably have in your pantry, both variations maximize your grocery budget while delivering rich, satisfying flavors. You can prepare it in several ways: oven-baked, air-fried, or even in mini muffin form, allowing you to tailor the method to your preference. Ideal for dinner or a quick lunch any day of the week, this glazed meatloaf offers flavor, flexibility, and cost-saving benefits all in one.
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Classic Glazed Meatloaf
Classic meatloaf is a frugal meal based on inexpensive ingredients that lends itself well to meal prep and really stretches your grocery budget. Its versatility allows for bulk cooking and easy portioning, making it ideal for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- Preparation Time: Around 10–15 minutes
- Baking Time: 55–60 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork (choose 80/20 for flavor and cost-effectiveness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use stale bread processed into crumbs for savings)
- 1 egg (acts as a binder)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk (any type; use water as a substitute for more savings)
- 2 tbsp ketchup (for moisture)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional for a sweet glaze but makes it special!)
- 1 tsp mustard (optional for added tang)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine the meat mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the loaf: Press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping the top smoothly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables.
Vegan Glazed Meatloaf
This vegan meatloaf is hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for a budget-friendly, plant-based meal. The combination of lentils, oats, and vegetables provides protein and fiber, making it both filling and nutritious.
- Preparation Time: Around 15-20 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils (or 1 can lentils, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup rolled oats (acts as a binder and adds texture)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use stale bread processed into crumbs)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami flavor)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth (for moisture)
Topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional for tanginess)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook lentils according to package instructions if using dried lentils. Drain and let cool.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine lentils, oats, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add water or vegetable broth and mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together.
- Shape the loaf: Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and mustard. Spread the topping evenly over the loaf.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until firm and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Cooking Method
Cooking glazed meatloaf in an air fryer is an excellent way to save time and energy while achieving a perfectly crispy outside and tender interior. Here’s how to adapt the classic meatloaf recipe for your air fryer:
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture as directed in the original recipe, mixing the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits into your air fryer basket. You may need to split the mixture into two smaller loaves if your air fryer is compact.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space around the loaf for air to circulate.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush the prepared topping (ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard) over the top of the meatloaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips for Air Fryer Success:
- Line the basket with air fryer liners or aluminum foil to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier. For a more sustainable option try these silicone liners
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Proper air circulation is key to even cooking.
- Adjust timing as needed, depending on the size and thickness of your meatloaf and the model of your air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:
- Time-saving: The air fryer reduces cooking time compared to a traditional oven.
- Energy-efficient: Using an air fryer can save on energy costs, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Crispy exterior: The air fryer helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp crust without the need for extra oil.
Mini Glazed Meatloaf Method
Making mini meatloaf muffins is a fun and budget-friendly twist that’s perfect for portion control, faster cooking, and easy meal prep. Here’s how to adapt the classic meatloaf recipe for mini muffin portions:
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin liners for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture as directed in the original recipe, mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press the meat mixture down gently to form the muffin shapes.
- Add the topping: Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spoon a small amount on top of each mini meatloaf.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the mini meatloaves reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm, or let cool completely before storing.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store cooled mini meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each mini meatloaf in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Perfect for meal prep: Pack individual portions with side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Benefits of Mini Meatloaf Muffins:
- Quick cooking: Mini muffins cook in about half the time of a full meatloaf.
- Portion control: Perfect for controlling serving sizes for a balanced meal.
- Kid-friendly: The smaller size is great for kids and makes eating more fun.
Budget Tips
- Use day-old bread to make breadcrumbs and save extra costs.
- Opt for bulk purchases of ground meat or choose ground turkey for a more economical option.
- Skip the brown sugar in the topping if on a tighter budget.
- Use store-brand condiments to keep expenses low.
- Swap out ground beef for a mix of beef and pork or ground turkey, depending on what is more affordable or available.
- Fresh vegetables can be replaced with frozen ones if cheaper.
- Add mushrooms to the recipe to stretch the meat and reduce costs, especially when they’re a more budget-friendly option.
Essential Tools
Loaf Pans:
- Nonstick Meatloaf Pan with Drip Tray: Helps achieve a perfectly cooked meatloaf and allows fat to drain for a healthier meal.
- Pyrex Glass Loaf Pan: Durable and budget-friendly.
Mixing Bowls:
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set: Ideal for mixing meat and ingredients without spilling.
- Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids: Great for meal prep and storing leftovers.
Meat Thermometer:
- Digital Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf is cooked to the correct internal temperature for food safety.
Spice Set:
- Basic Spice Rack Set: Contains smoked paprika, thyme, and other commonly used spices.
For Air Fryer Meatloaf
Air Fryer:
- Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fryer: A versatile product for air frying, grilling, and baking.
- COSORI Air Fryer: Popular for its large capacity and efficient cooking.
Parchment Paper Liners:
- Pre-Cut Parchment Paper for Air Fryers: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
For Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Nonstick Muffin Pan:
- 12-Cup Nonstick Muffin Pan: Perfect for baking mini meatloaf portions.
- Silicone Muffin Pan: Easier to release food and clean.
Portion Scooper:
- Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop: Great for portioning out even amounts of meat mixture for mini muffins.
General Cooking and Meal Prep Tools
Food Storage Containers:
- Airtight Glass Meal Prep Containers: Ideal for storing leftovers or prepped meals.
- Reusable Silicone Food Bags: Eco-friendly and perfect for freezing meatloaf slices or mini muffins.
Cutting Board Set:
- Bamboo Cutting Board Set: Budget-friendly and durable for chopping ingredients like onions and garlic.
Oven Mitts:
- Heat-Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts: Essential for safely removing hot pans from the oven or air fryer.
Storage and Waste Reduction
- Store leftovers: Slice the cooled meatloaf and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Minimal waste: Use vegetable scraps like onion peels and garlic ends to make homemade broth, adding flavor to future dishes.
Repurposing Leftovers
Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Reheat leftover slices and create hearty sandwiches by placing them between your favorite bread or rolls. Add a spread of mayo, Dijon mustard, or BBQ sauce, and top with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Tip: Toast the bread for an extra crunch and melt some cheese on the meatloaf for a warm, melty finish.
Pasta Sauce
- Transform your leftover meatloaf into a savory meat sauce by crumbling it and mixing it into your favorite pasta sauce. Heat in a skillet, simmer for a few minutes, and serve over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have on hand for a quick weeknight meal.
- Tip: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or fresh basil on top for extra flavor.
Tacos
- Warm up crumbled meatloaf in a skillet with a sprinkle of taco seasoning for an extra kick. Load the meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa for a fresh twist on taco night.
- Tip: Serve with homemade guacamole or a quick corn salad for a complete meal.
Meatloaf-Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with crumbled leftover meatloaf mixed with cooked rice, a bit of tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Tip: Top with extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
Meatloaf Hash
- Dice leftover meatloaf and add it to a skillet with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté until the potatoes are crispy and the meat is heated through. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Tip: Season with paprika and a dash of hot sauce for added flavor.
Meatloaf Sliders
- Cut the leftover meatloaf into slider-sized pieces and reheat. Serve on mini buns with toppings like caramelized onions, cheese, and your favorite condiments for a fun, easy-to-make appetizer or snack.
- Tip: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added touch.
Meatloaf Fried Rice
- Crumble the leftover meatloaf and add it to a wok or skillet with cooked rice, mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh), and scrambled eggs. Stir-fry with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick, flavorful dinner.
- Tip: Add a pinch of ginger or garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
