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Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze Best Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with sweet brown sugar glaze is the ultimate comfort food—savory, juicy, and topped with a sticky, caramelized glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 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.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumb mixture, beaten eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press into an even shape. Bake for 45 minutes.
  6. While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove meatloaf from oven. Brush or pour about half of the glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use parchment overhang to lift it out, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into ½- to ¾-inch thick slices. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist. Sautéing the onion mellows its flavor. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling. Double the glaze recipe if you want extra to drizzle over slices.

Nutrition

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

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