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Cozy Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

cozy meatloaf recipe - featured image

A comforting and easy meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes to create a juicy, flavorful crust. Perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix gently without overworking.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape freeform on a lined baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard until smooth to make the glaze.
  6. Spread about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
  8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or that juices run clear.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf. Soak breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf tender. Apply glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized crust. Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly. Let rest before slicing for juicy slices. Can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free milk for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, family dinner, comfort food, easy meatloaf, ground beef, ground pork