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Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf: Best Easy Glaze

classic brown sugar meatloaf - featured image

A tender, juicy meatloaf with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar and ketchup glaze. This foolproof recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a loaf pan for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup Plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in butter for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds. Let cool completely.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion mixture, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  5. Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently fold it in until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing down firmly to remove air pockets. Spread half of the glaze over the top.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  8. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Ensure onions are cooled before adding to raw meat. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain juices. Drain excess fat from the pan before slicing if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, ketchup glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe