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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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A moist, tender meatloaf topped with a sticky, sweet, and tangy brown sugar glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for family dinners and delivers comforting, nostalgic flavor every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer meat mixture to prepared loaf pan. Press gently to remove air pockets and shape into a slightly domed top. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove meatloaf from oven. Pour or brush about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top, spreading evenly. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  8. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Slice and serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Notes

For extra crispy edges on the glaze, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial for juicy slices. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

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

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