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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

A moist, tender, and deeply satisfying classic meatloaf with a sticky brown sugar glaze. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and takes under two hours to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil.
  2. Sautรฉ the diced onion in a teaspoon of oil over medium heat until soft and translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic in the last 30 seconds. Let the mixture cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, cooled onion mixture, panko, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the meat mixture into a log on the baking sheet or press into the loaf pan. Create a slight indentation down the center of the top.
  5. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and 2 tablespoons water. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
  6. Bake meatloaf for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155ยฐF (68ยฐC).
  7. Remove from oven, brush with half the glaze, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160ยฐF (71ยฐC).
  8. Brush with remaining glaze in the last 5 minutes of baking.
  9. Let meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for maximum juiciness. Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes is crucial to retain moisture. If using a loaf pan, line it with foil for easy removal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meals, ground beef recipe, family dinner