Smoky Maple Meatloaf

**Title: “Smoky Maple Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish”**

Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s full of flavor with a sweet and smoky twist? **Smoky Maple Meatloaf** is the perfect choice! This mouthwatering meatloaf combines the savory richness of ground beef with the sweetness of maple syrup and a smoky depth from ingredients like smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that will quickly become a new favorite in your home.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a special occasion, or simply meal prepping for the week ahead, this **Smoky Maple Meatloaf** offers a delicious take on a classic that’s both sweet and smoky with just the right amount of savory goodness.

—

### 🍽 Why You’ll Love Smoky Maple Meatloaf

– **Sweet & Smoky Flavor**: The combination of **maple syrup** and **smoked paprika** brings a rich depth of flavor to the meatloaf that takes it to the next level.
– **Tender & Juicy**: Thanks to a mixture of moist ingredients and a careful baking method, this meatloaf stays wonderfully tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
– **Family Favorite**: The balance of sweet and savory makes this a great dish that both adults and kids will love, making it a win for family dinners.
– **Comfort Food**: Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that brings nostalgia and warmth to the table. The smoky maple glaze adds a unique, modern twist to this classic.
– **Simple to Make**: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients or prep work, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

—

### 🍁 Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this **Smoky Maple Meatloaf** requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

#### For the Meatloaf:
– 1 lb **ground beef** (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
– 1/2 cup **breadcrumbs** (use plain or Italian for added flavor)
– 1/4 cup **milk** (or cream for a richer texture)
– 1 large **egg**
– 1 small **onion**, finely chopped
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1/4 cup **Worcestershire sauce**
– 1 teaspoon **smoked paprika** (for that smoky flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**
– 1/4 teaspoon **black pepper**

#### For the Smoky Maple Glaze:
– 1/4 cup **maple syrup** (use pure maple syrup for the best flavor)
– 2 tablespoons **ketchup**
– 1 tablespoon **apple cider vinegar**
– 1 teaspoon **smoked paprika**
– 1/2 teaspoon **garlic powder**
– A pinch of **cayenne pepper** (optional, for a little heat)

—

### 🥄 How to Make Smoky Maple Meatloaf

#### Step 1: **Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Loaf Pan**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you prefer a crispier crust on your meatloaf, you can shape it by hand on a baking sheet, but using a loaf pan will give you the classic meatloaf shape and help it cook more evenly.

#### Step 2: **Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **onion**, and **garlic**. Add the **Worcestershire sauce**, **smoked paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**, then mix everything together until fully combined. You can use your hands for this, but be sure not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.

Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it into shape, smoothing the top for an even cooking surface.

#### Step 3: **Make the Smoky Maple Glaze**
In a small bowl, whisk together the **maple syrup**, **ketchup**, **apple cider vinegar**, **smoked paprika**, **garlic powder**, and a pinch of **cayenne pepper** if you’re opting for a little heat. This sweet and smoky glaze will not only flavor the meatloaf but will also create a beautiful caramelized topping as it bakes.

#### Step 4: **Apply the Glaze**
Spoon a generous amount of the smoky maple glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly across the surface, making sure every bit is coated.

#### Step 5: **Bake the Meatloaf**
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about **45 to 55 minutes**, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches **160°F (71°C)**. The glaze should be bubbling and slightly caramelized on top.

#### Step 6: **Rest & Serve**
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **5 minutes** before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a cleaner slice.

Serve your **Smoky Maple Meatloaf** with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweet, smoky glaze is the perfect complement to the savory meatloaf, making every bite absolutely delicious.

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends