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Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf features a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze applied before and during baking, creating a sticky, caramelized crust. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (90/10 or 80/20)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook diced onion in a drizzle of oil for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Let cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, cooled onion mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  5. Transfer meat mixture to prepared baking sheet. Shape into a loaf about 8 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 1/2 inches tall.
  6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the raw meatloaf. Reserve remaining glaze.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Let meatloaf rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Let the meat come to room temperature before mixing for even cooking. Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. The two-step glaze application prevents burning and creates a caramelized crust. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing is essential.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/