Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf

Written by
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich is a food writer, recipe video producer, and culinary school instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the food industry.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
John Mitzewich
Updated 03/02/21
Meatloaf Recipe
Brian Hagiwara/Photolibrary/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 70 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
518 Calories
22g Fat
32g Carbs
46g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 518
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 9g 47%
Cholesterol 188mg 63%
Sodium 1186mg 52%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Protein 46g
Calcium 134mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender, moist, and delicious. A glossy brown sugar glaze finishes off the meatloaf and is a perfect complement to the flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, tarragon, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce that make it into the mixture. Enjoy this winning meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion (minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Steps to Make It

Note: While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.

Make the Meatloaf:

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

  3. Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.

  4. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

  5. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, the onion and garlic mixture, and all of the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Gently mix to incorporate.

  6. Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.

  7. Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide by about 3 to 4 inches high.

  8. Bake for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze:

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. While the meatloaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

  3. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.

  4. Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to make sure the meatloaf is done; it should reach at least 160 F.

  5. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tags: