Recreate the comfort of Golden Corral’s famous meatloaf at home with this easy and flavorful recipe. Tender ground beef combined with a savory glaze and seasonings, this meatloaf is perfect for a hearty family meal!
This easy copycat recipe for Golden Corral Meatloaf is one of my family’s favorites, and of course the glaze is amazing, and cooks up so well in the air fryer!
If you love Golden Corral you will absolutely love this recipe!
If you love Golden Corral-inspired recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Steakhouse Sweet Potato, Coconut Milk Banana Pudding, or Air Fryer Creamed Spinach.
This Copycat Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe will soon become part of your weekly dinner rotation.
What Is Golden Corral Meatloaf?
Golden Corral Meatloaf is a classic comfort food made with ground beef, seasoned with a blend of spices, and topped with a savory tomato-based glaze. Known for its tender texture and rich flavor, it’s a popular dish at Golden Corral, offering a hearty and satisfying meal for all.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Perfectly Tender: The meatloaf is incredibly tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Savory Glaze: A delicious, tangy glaze gives the meatloaf a flavorful finish that enhances every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, making it a great option for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: With its hearty, comforting flavor, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.
- Versatile: Golden Corral Meatloaf pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a flexible option for any meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef: The main base of the meatloaf, providing flavor and a tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and adds to its moistness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together and helping it set as it cooks.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the meat mixture, keeping the meatloaf juicy.
- Onion: Adds savory depth and flavor to the meatloaf.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle, aromatic garlic taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasonings that balance and bring out the flavors in the meatloaf.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami flavor that complements the beef.
- Ketchup: Used for both mixing into the meatloaf and as a topping glaze, adding sweetness and flavor.
How to Make Golden Corral Meatloaf
Step One: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step Two: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit into your air fryer basket. Make sure it’s compact but not too tightly packed, to allow for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Three: Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space around it for air circulation. Cook at 375 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step Four: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Copycat Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner meatloaf, opt for 85% lean ground beef.
- Add Flavor with Seasonings: Customize the flavor by adding extra seasonings like onion powder, thyme, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Top with Ketchup or Glaze: For that signature Golden Corral flavor, make sure to top the meatloaf with a sweet ketchup glaze or even a tangy BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add Vegetables: For extra moisture and flavor, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish or air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Monitor the Internal Temperature: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked through, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Golden Corral Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
What to Eat with Golden Corral Meatloaf
Golden Corral Meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, to balance the richness of the meatloaf. A side of buttered corn or cornbread adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf. Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish. Don’t forget a slice of homemade bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra gravy or ketchup glaze!
Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe Recipe Faqs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
How can I make the meatloaf spicier? To add some heat, try incorporating a bit of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture.
How do I know when my meatloaf is done? Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I use a different glaze instead of ketchup? Yes, you can substitute the ketchup with BBQ sauce, a honey mustard glaze, or any other glaze you prefer for a different flavor.
Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit into your air fryer basket. Make sure it’s compact but not too tightly packed, to allow for even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the meatloaf in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space around it for air circulation. Cook at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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