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Best Classic Meatloaf with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is tender, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that changes minds about meatloaf.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for free-form method, or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and milk. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet (about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide) or press evenly into the loaf pan. Make a slight indentation down the center.
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Brush about half of the glaze over the meatloaf, covering top and sides. Reserve remaining glaze.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, brush on remaining glaze, and return to oven for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) at the center.
  8. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with extra glaze from the pan spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. For extra flavor, toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding. Double the glaze for serving on the side.

Nutrition

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

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