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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This crowd-pleasing classic meatloaf features a tender, juicy interior and a sweet-savory brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, crackly crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside 1/4 cup of the glaze for basting later.
  4. If desired, sauté the diced onion in a teaspoon of oil over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup ketchup. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the lined loaf pan and press gently into an even shape, eliminating air pockets. Slightly indent the top.
  7. Pour the reserved glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly, letting some drip down the sides.
  8. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, brush on another layer of the remaining glaze.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift the meatloaf out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Soak breadcrumbs in milk for a moist meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it intact. Double the glaze for extra caramelization.

Nutrition

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

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