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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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A classic meatloaf with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that creates a crackly, candied top. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works, crush slightly)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Prepare your vegetables: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. If desired, sauté the diced onion in a teaspoon of oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then let cool.
  4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  5. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.
  6. Add the meat and vegetables: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly distributed, about 1-2 minutes. Do not overmix.
  7. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and press it gently into an even shape. Do not pack it down hard. If using a baking sheet, form the meat into a loaf shape about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  8. Pour on the glaze: Pour the entire brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, letting some drip down the sides.
  9. Bake the meatloaf: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55-65 minutes. At the 45-minute mark, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C) in the center. If the glaze is browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top for the last 15 minutes.
  10. Let it rest: When the meatloaf reaches 160°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise to 165°F.
  11. Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the meatloaf out of the pan (if used). Slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a deeper molasses flavor, use dark brown sugar. To make extra glaze for serving, double the glaze ingredients and warm the extra while the meatloaf rests. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. For a turkey meatloaf, swap ground beef for ground turkey (93/7 blend) and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe

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