Glazed Hamburger Loaf
A savory glazed hamburger loaf featuring ground beef, vegetables, and a sweet pineapple ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, bread crumbs, 1 cup of catsup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of catsup, crushed pineapple, and brown sugar.
- Spread the pineapple glaze over the baked hamburger loaf.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, preferably with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding shredded cheese or herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meat mixture. If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as substitutes. To keep the loaf moist, avoid overmixing the beef. For a different flavor profile, try using barbecue sauce instead of catsup in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed hamburger loaf hot, ideally alongside fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the glaze. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely to balance the meal. This dish also makes a great sandwich filling for leftovers, providing a delicious and hearty lunch option. For more ideas, check out other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed hamburger loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Hamburger Loaf contains roughly 480 calories, with 12g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that leaner meats may require a bit more moisture, so consider adding an extra egg or a splash of broth to the mixture for flavor and moisture retention.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the pineapple mixture or substitute it with a sugar alternative. You can also add a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity for a more savory flavor.
What can I serve with glazed hamburger loaf?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or baked beans. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or a grain like quinoa. A refreshing cucumber salad can also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the loaf.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).