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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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A nostalgic, tender meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky crust. Perfect for cozy nights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder (if using). Set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  4. Combine the meatloaf ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup milk, the sautéed onion and garlic, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined.
  5. Shape the meatloaf. Transfer the mixture to your lined loaf pan. Press it in gently, making sure there are no air pockets. Shape it into an even loaf, slightly mounded in the center.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  7. Apply the first glaze layer. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Brush or spoon about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  8. Apply the second glaze layer and finish baking. After 15 minutes, remove the pan again and apply the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
  9. Rest before slicing. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the loaf out of the pan, then transfer to a cutting board.
  10. Slice and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut even slices, about ¾ inch thick. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef and don’t skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs (panade) for moisture. Apply glaze in two layers for a caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, classic meatloaf

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-30-min-recipe/