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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Best Recipe

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This cozy classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes into a sticky crust, while the meatloaf stays tender and juicy thanks to a secret trick of soaking breadcrumbs in milk.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until soft and paste-like.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (about 1-2 minutes). Do not overmix.
  4. Transfer meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Alternatively, shape into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ½ cup ketchup, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  6. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze over the top, and return to oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with extra glaze from the pan.

Notes

For extra caramelization, place meatloaf on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of baking. If glaze starts to burn, tent loosely with foil. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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