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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or entertaining. It’s moist, tender, and topped with a caramelized glaze that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend, preferably ground chuck)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko for lighter texture)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your loaf pan on top.
  2. Prepare the glaze first: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let cool.
  4. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Use your hands to mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan. Press gently to remove air pockets, but do not pack too tightly. Smooth the top.
  6. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spoon about half of the glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. The meatloaf should be starting to brown and the glaze bubbling.
  8. Apply the second layer of glaze: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Check the internal temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the center. It should read 160°F (71°C). If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  10. Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
  11. Slice and serve: Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch thick pieces.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground chuck. Sauté onions first to avoid sogginess. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. A meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness. The glaze can be doubled for extra to serve on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef, dinner party, family meal

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