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Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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This Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a simple, comforting weeknight dinner that delivers a tender, juicy meatloaf with a sticky, sweet-tangy caramelized crust. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in about an hour with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground pork
  • 1 cup (120g) plain breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using a loaf pan, lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  3. Optional: Sauté the diced onion in a little oil over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  4. To the breadcrumb mixture, add the eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Stir until combined. Add the onion and garlic and mix well.
  5. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. Do not pack too tightly.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
  8. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and spread about half the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the loaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  10. Apply the remaining glaze and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
  12. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Applying the glaze in two layers creates a thick, caramelized crust. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

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

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