sweet & sour meatloaf recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best sweet & sour meatloaf recipe

I’ve always been a fan of sweet and sour meatloaf, and my family loves it just as much as I do. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The combination of the tangy ketchup-based sauce and the savory ground meat is a match made in heaven.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner cook. Just mix together the meat, sauce, and some breadcrumbs, shape into a loaf, and bake until cooked through. It’s really hard to mess up!

My kids adore helping me make this dish, too – they love getting their hands dirty with the meat mixture and then watching it transform into a delicious meal. We always have fun making memories in the kitchen together. As for where this dish comes from, I’m not entirely sure – but I think it might have originated in some American Southern cuisine.

The sweetness of the sauce balances out the richness of the meat perfectly, and it’s a great way to get some veggies in too (like onions and bell peppers). I like to serve this dish with some crusty bread on the side for sopping up all that yummy sauce. My family just can’t get enough of it!

In fact, my husband always requests this dish when we’re having guests over – it’s just that good. And don’t even get me started on how healthy this recipe is – no preservatives or artificial ingredients here! Just good old-fashioned comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year.

Sweet & Sour Meatloaf

Sweet & Sour Meatloaf

4.8 from 1246 votes

A delightful twist on a classic meatloaf, this sweet and sour version combines savory ground meat with a tangy glaze. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

For the Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp cornstarch

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5The mixture should be slightly sticky, and the ground meats should be evenly coated with the other ingredients.
6Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
7Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
8Press down firmly to ensure the meatloaf is compact and holds together well.
9It should be about 1 inch from the top of the pan.
10Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
11While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
12Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken.
13This should take about 5 minutes.
14Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
15After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
16Brush the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
17Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
18The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
19Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
20This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Watch Video Of How Sweet & Sour Meatloaf Works

This sweet and sour meatloaf recipe is one of our go-to dishes for any occasion – whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a party for friends. And the best part?

It’s so easy to reheat! Simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through – about 20-25 minutes depending on how big your loaf is.

We love serving this dish with some steamed veggies on the side (like green beans or broccoli) to round out our meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, try topping your loaf with some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added pop of color.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet & Sour Meatloaf

Q: What is sweet and sour meatloaf?

Sweet and sour meatloaf is a classic American dish that combines ground meat with a tangy ketchup-based sauce.

Q: How do you make sweet and sour meatloaf?

To make sweet and sour meatloaf, you’ll need ground meat (beef or pork work well), breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, ketchup-based sauce (homemade or store-bought), salt, pepper.

Q: Can I use store-bought ketchup instead of making my own?

You can use store-bought ketchup if you prefer – just keep in mind that homemade ketchup has more flavor.

Q: Is sweet and sour meatloaf suitable for vegetarians?

No – this recipe uses ground meat.

Q: Can I make sweet and sour meatloaf ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but assemble and bake just before serving.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts