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Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a tender, moist meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky coating. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that feeds the whole family and tastes like comfort food from a beloved diner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain Panko recommended)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light brown sugar recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and place it on a baking sheet.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Sauté the finely diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, the sautéed onion and garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press into an even shape, avoiding air pockets. Do not pack too tightly.
  6. Spoon about 1/3 of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  11. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve with pan juices.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If the glaze gets too dark during baking, tent with aluminum foil.

Nutrition

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

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