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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy & Best Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is incredibly moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet, tangy, caramelized glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Place the pan on a baking sheet.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup ketchup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and ½ cup milk. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
  5. Add the ground beef, eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press into an even shape, avoiding air pockets. Do not pack too firmly.
  7. Pour about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading evenly and letting some drip down the sides. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  8. Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper handles to lift it out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve hot with extra glaze from the pan.

Notes

For an extra-thick glaze, broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Nutrition

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

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