Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf is a modern twist on the classic comfort food, combining the hearty, savory flavors of traditional meatloaf with a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chili glaze. This dish brings together a blend of ground meats, aromatic vegetables, and spices, all baked to perfection and topped with a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

What I love about this recipe is its balance of flavor and texture. The meatloaf stays moist and tender on the inside, while the sweet chili glaze adds a shiny, flavorful finish on the outside. It’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it elevates traditional meatloaf into something unexpected and flavorful. The sweet chili glaze adds a subtle heat and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory, juicy meat mixture.

It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for guests. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced — a combination that’s hard to resist.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Sweet chili glaze gives the meatloaf a unique, flavorful twist.
• Moist and tender interior with a caramelized exterior.
• Versatile — pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Easy to make and adaptable to your favorite ground meats.
• Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (with an Asian-inspired twist)

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional for extra moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze

• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare meatloaf pan.
2. Mix ground meat with vegetables, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in the pan.
4. Mix glaze ingredients and brush over the meatloaf.
5. Bake until cooked through, brushing glaze halfway through.
6. Let rest, slice, and serve with sides.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, garlic, milk, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix until ingredients are just combined — do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
2. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, ketchup, honey, and rice vinegar.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Brush about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place meatloaf in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
2. Remove and brush with the remaining glaze.
3. Return to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Slice

1. Remove meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
2. Slice into 6–8 portions.
3. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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How to Serve

• Slice thick pieces and drizzle extra sweet chili sauce if desired.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad.
• Great for meal prep — store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Add grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini for extra moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Resting before slicing helps juices redistribute for a moist meatloaf.
• Glaze generously — it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Variations

1. Spicy Chili Glaze: Add Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
2. Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Insert a layer of cheddar or mozzarella in the middle.
3. Asian Fusion: Add hoisin sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for more umami.
4. Vegetable Meatloaf: Mix in finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
5. Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked meatloaf in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in portions until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for glaze
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Spatula for brushing glaze

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf is a delicious fusion of classic comfort food and bold flavors, making it a must-try for home cooks. The juicy meatloaf paired with the sweet, sticky chili glaze is irresistible, while the dish remains easy to prepare and versatile for different proteins or dietary preferences.

Whether for a family dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this meatloaf brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. Each slice is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds.

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf is a modern twist on the classic comfort food, combining the hearty, savory flavors of traditional meatloaf with a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chili glaze.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Meat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup finely diced onion
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated carrot (optional for extra moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze

• ¹⁄₃ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture : In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, garlic, milk, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until ingredients are just combined — do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Step 3: Shape the Loaf : Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Glaze : In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, ketchup, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth. Brush about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Step 5: Bake : Place meatloaf in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Step 6: Rest and Slice : Remove meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 6–8 portions. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Keywords: Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf