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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Easy Comfort Food

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This classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is incredibly moist, tender, and topped with a sticky-sweet caramelized crust. It’s the perfect comfort food that even skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a 9×5-inch loaf pan on top.
  2. Make the panade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir together and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a thick paste.
  3. Add the aromatics: To the panade, add the beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Stir until well combined.
  4. Add the beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape and place: Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan. Press it in gently, mounding slightly in the center. Alternatively, shape free-form on the lined baking sheet.
  6. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  7. First glaze application: Brush about half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the meatloaf is starting to brown and the glaze is bubbling.
  9. Second glaze application: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
  10. Check temperature: The meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
  11. Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  12. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut even slices, about 1-inch thick. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat. Let the panade sit for 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Make extra glaze for serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-comfort-food/