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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Easy Best Recipe

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This isn’t just another meatloaf recipe—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with a caramelized brown sugar glaze that locks in moisture and adds a sweet-savory crust. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1 medium onion (about 150g), finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or any)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup ketchup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional parsley. Mix with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Transfer meat mixture to prepared pan or baking sheet. Shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, creating a slight indentation down the center.
  6. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve remaining glaze.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Remove from oven, brush on remaining glaze. Return to oven and bake another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat—mix just until combined. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it moist. For extra flavor, toast breadcrumbs before adding. Make a well in the center to prevent doming. The glaze can be doubled and used as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-best-recipe/