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Easy Savory Meatloaf Patties with Best Sweet-Tangy Glaze

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These easy savory meatloaf patties with sweet-tangy glaze are a quick weeknight dinner that cooks in under 20 minutes. The glaze balances brown sugar sweetness with a punch of vinegar and mustard, creating a sticky, finger-licking finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Make the panade: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir until breadcrumbs are fully saturated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the patty ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs (panade), egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Shape the patties: Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick (2 cm). Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  4. Preheat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Let the oil shimmer, about 2 minutes.
  5. Sear the patties: Carefully place patties in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the second side, until deeply browned.
  6. Make the glaze: While patties sear, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl.
  7. Glaze the patties: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour glaze over patties. Gently swirl pan to distribute. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then flip. Cook another 2-3 minutes until glaze thickens and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Rest and serve: Transfer patties to a plate. Let rest for 3 minutes. Spoon extra glaze from pan over patties before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. For low-carb/keto, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour and use sugar-free ketchup and a sugar substitute. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk. To prevent patties from falling apart, ensure breadcrumbs are fully saturated with milk and don’t skip the egg. Make a thumbprint indentation to prevent puffing. Patties taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf patties, easy meatloaf, sweet tangy glaze, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe