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Classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but special enough to serve when company’s coming, with a sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Or, grease the pan lightly with oil or cooking spray.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  4. In your large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika if using. Give it a quick stir.
  5. Add the ground beef to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Pour in the wet ingredients and add the diced onion and minced garlic.
  6. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Press it in gently, smoothing the top.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  9. Spread about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
  10. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F.
  11. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  12. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  13. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  14. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve warm with extra glaze from the pan spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (160°F). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Toast breadcrumbs first for extra flavor. Don’t skip the milk—it keeps the meatloaf tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, old-fashioned, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-old-fashioned-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/