Print

Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze, Easy Homemade Recipe

classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet-tangy caramelized crust. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that comes together with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ pound (225g) ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
  • ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ 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 long sides.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  4. Combine the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, cooled onion mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press into an even shape, slightly domed in the center.
  6. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes: Place the loaf pan on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and starting to darken.
  8. Baste with remaining glaze: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  9. Continue baking: Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center.
  10. Rest before slicing: Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board or cooling rack. Let rest for another 5 minutes.
  11. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick slices. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey (93/7) for the beef and pork, adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil and an extra egg. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. To prevent the glaze from burning, tent the meatloaf loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking if it gets too dark. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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