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Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe with Hidden Veggie Center Easy and Perfect

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A comforting and practical meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet brown sugar glaze and a hidden veggie center that adds moisture and nutrition without compromising flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) finely diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup (50g) finely diced zucchini
  • 1/3 cup (45g) finely chopped onions
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy-free optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed (dark brown preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
  2. Finely dice carrots, zucchini, and onions until very small.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, diced veggies, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
  4. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the loaf pan.
  5. Spread a thin layer of some finely diced veggies or optional sautéed spinach/mushrooms over the meat base as the hidden veggie center.
  6. Top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently and smoothing the top.
  7. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil after 40 minutes if glaze browns too fast.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf. Keep diced veggies very small to blend into the meat. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ground turkey or chicken can be used with added olive oil for moisture. Glaze can be adjusted with hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, hidden veggies, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck recipe, ground beef, family favorite

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/brown-sugar-glazed-meatloaf-recipe-with-hidden-veggie-center-easy-and-perfect/