Teriyaki Meatloaf ~ Sweet, Salty, and Delicious

Meatloaf has been a staple in my house as long as I can remember.  And it’s rarely made the same way twice.  Sometimes it’s like a steakhouse burger, peppery and garlicky, with steak sauce glazing the top.  Other times, it’s sweet and smoky, seasoned with a barbecue rub and topped with our favorite barbecue sauce.  Many times it was Italian style, with stewed tomatoes or ketchup over the top, but every time my mom made it, it was slightly different in flavor.  She never used measurements, but went by the “feel” of the meat.  I take the same approach to meatloaf, and this time, I had some teriyaki sauce and pineapple, which made the most delicious Teriyaki Meatloaf.  Sweet, salty, and full of rich flavor, Teriyaki Meatloaf has become my family’s favorite way to eat this American staple.

The Secret to Teriyaki Meatloaf

The basic recipe for meatloaf is for every pound of ground beef, an egg and a quarter cup of breadcrumbs.  The breadcrumbs can be more or less, depending on the seasonings you use.  So the recipe is written for a one pound meatloaf so you can expand it as much as you need.  The secret to Teriyaki Meatloaf is the teriyaki sauce you use.  I love Veri Veri Teriyaki sauce.  I found it by happenstance at my favorite grocery store a while ago and I fell in love.  It has the perfect blend of soy, garlic, and ginger, and is complete with sesame seeds which impart a slightly nutty flavor.  Use your favorite teriyaki sauce, and your Teriyaki Meatloaf is sure to be perfect for you!

Teriyaki Meatloaf makes Awesome Leftovers

I love a good meatloaf sandwich and Teriyaki Meatloaf certainly obliges!  I stacked a warm slice on a ciabatta roll with a little extra teriyaki sauce for lunch, and it was AMAZING!  The flavor was perfect for this little slice of heaven and it was a great pick me up lunch on a chill day.

1 lb lean ground beef

1 egg

2 T teriyaki sauce

1/3 C breadcrumbs

4 pineapple rings

4 T teriyaki sauce

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix the ground beef, egg, and 2 T teriyaki sauce well, until completely incorporated.

Add in the breadcrumbs and mix well.

Form into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.  Top with pineapple and hold them in place with toothpicks if needed.

Bake 30 minutes, until the center is no longer pink.  Baste with the remaining 4 T teriyaki sauce and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Serve hot.

Next time you need a quick, meaty meal, make up a Teriyaki Meatloaf and wow your family.