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Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Easy Dinner

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This Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a quick and easy dinner that delivers nostalgic, home-cooked magic without the fuss. The brown sugar glaze creates a sticky, tangy-sweet crust that makes this meatloaf unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (67g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze first: 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.
  3. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with ½ cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  4. Sauté the onion (optional but recommended): Heat a small pan over medium heat with a teaspoon of oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Let cool slightly.
  5. Combine the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 pounds ground beef, the soaked breadcrumb mixture, 2 beaten eggs, the sautéed onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
  6. Mix gently with your hands just until everything is evenly distributed, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and press gently into an even shape. Do not pack tightly.
  8. Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
  10. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  11. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  12. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  13. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve warm with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade (breadcrumb and milk mixture) for a tender meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without drying out. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For a turkey version, use 93/7 ground turkey and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a cheesy stuffed version, add ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the center. For a spicy kick, add 1-2 tablespoons sriracha to the meat mixture and ½ teaspoon cayenne to the glaze. For a BBQ glaze, replace ketchup in the glaze with barbecue sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/best-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-dinner/