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Best Ever Juicy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

juicy classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

A tender, juicy classic meatloaf featuring a sweet and savory brown sugar ketchup glaze. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples and ensures a moist interior with a caramelized crust, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 ground chuck recommended)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, tear bread into small pieces and pour milk over it. Let sit for 5 minutes until the bread is completely soaked and soft.
  3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté in butter until soft and translucent (optional, but recommended for deeper flavor).
  4. Add ground beef, beaten eggs, sautéed onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the soaked bread mixture.
  5. Mix gently with hands or a fork until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
  6. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet. Shape into a loaf about 2 inches high. If using a baking sheet, create a ridge around the edges to hold juices.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes. Check internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C). If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
  10. Remove from oven and brush remaining glaze over the top.
  11. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, juicy meatloaf, easy dinner, comfort food, family meals, ground beef recipes