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Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf is incredibly juicy and tender, topped with a tangy-sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a perfect crust. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a foolproof comfort food that makes a regular Tuesday feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 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 (for the meat mixture)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • ½ cup ketchup (for the glaze)
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for the glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. If using a baking sheet, line with parchment or foil and lightly grease.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef and break it up slightly. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic (cooled), beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press into an even shape, eliminating air pockets. If using a baking sheet, shape into an 8×4-inch loaf.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside about ¼ cup of the glaze for serving.
  7. Spoon about half of the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully pour off any excess fat. Apply the remaining glaze on top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Lift out using parchment overhang, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve with reserved glaze on the side.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense loaf. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Drain excess fat halfway through baking. Double the glaze for extra to serve on the side.

Nutrition

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

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