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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze - featured image
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This classic meatloaf features a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky crust, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style; Panko preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a gentle simmer, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the parsley if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix with your hands just until combined, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even shape. Do not pack too tightly.
  6. Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and spoon the remaining glaze over the top, spreading evenly.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until 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 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and glaze to set.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist. Do not overmix the meat mixture. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The two-step glazing process is key: the first layer bakes into the meatloaf, the second creates a caramelized crust. If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape the meatloaf free-form on a lined baking sheet (cooks a bit faster).

Nutrition

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

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