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Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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This Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a family-friendly dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a sticky, caramelized masterpiece. Born from a kitchen accident, this recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ pound ground pork sausage
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer free-form meatloaf.
  2. Make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. If you are in a hurry, you can microwave the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Let them cool slightly. This step is optional but removes the raw bite from the onion and makes the meatloaf more evenly flavored.
  4. Combine the meatloaf ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork sausage, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix—overworking the meat can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
  5. Shape the meatloaf. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it gently into an even shape. If using a baking sheet, form the mixture into a loaf shape about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Make sure it is evenly shaped so it cooks uniformly.
  6. Apply the first layer of glaze. Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Use a basting brush or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, letting some drip down the sides.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The glaze will start to caramelize and the kitchen will smell incredible.
  8. Apply the second layer of glaze. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Return the meatloaf to the oven.
  9. Continue baking until done. Bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. The top should be deeply caramelized and sticky.
  10. Rest before slicing. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier. If you slice it right away, it will likely fall apart.
  11. Slice and serve. Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart. If the glaze browns too quickly, tent the meatloaf with foil. For extra flavor, double the glaze recipe and serve extra on the side.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/best-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-recipe/