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Kid-Approved Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf features a sticky, sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a candy-like crust, making it a kid-approved dinner that even picky eaters will love. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon mustard powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk and turn into a soft paste.
  4. Add the remaining meatloaf ingredients to the bowl: 2 pounds ground beef, 1 finely diced onion, 2 large eggs, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Press it in gently, making sure there are no air pockets. Shape the top into a slight dome.
  6. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  8. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the foil overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan, then transfer it to a cutting board.
  10. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the milk-and-breadcrumb soak for a moist meatloaf. Use your hands to mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, kid-friendly, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/kid-approved-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/