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Simple Baked Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Best Easy Recipe

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This simple baked meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes into pure magic. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion.

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 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides, or lightly grease the pan.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 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. Press gently into an even shape, removing any air pockets.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  7. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  8. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. If the top browns too quickly during the second bake, tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/simple-baked-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-best-easy-recipe/