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Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

easy classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is tender, flavorful, and comes together in a single bowl with zero fuss. The glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet crust that makes every bite worth getting excited about.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 small finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Mix until just combined.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Press it gently into the pan, making sure there are no air pockets. Do not pack it down too firmly.
  5. Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly with the back of the spoon. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  6. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  7. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Return to the oven.
  8. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  10. After resting, lift the meatloaf out of the pan using the parchment paper. Transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense loaf. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs before adding. Make a double batch of glaze for serving.

Nutrition

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