Print

Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting, easy-to-make meatloaf featuring a savory beef base and a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Let the mixture cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and half of the ketchup.
  4. Add the ground beef, cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with hands until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet. Shape into a loaf, pressing firmly into a pan or forming an oval with raised sides on a sheet.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, remaining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. Heat over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
  7. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and spoon the warm glaze evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Slice into thick slabs and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Ensure onions are cooled before adding to meat to prevent scrambling eggs. Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows for better crust formation and fat drainage. The glaze should be applied in the last 20 minutes to prevent burning. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes is crucial for juiciness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-homemade-recipe/