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Wholesome Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This wholesome classic meatloaf is tender, savory, and topped with a sticky, sweet, and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes in layers. It’s comfort food reimagined—perfect for a cozy dinner and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the finely chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  4. Combine the meatloaf ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to mix gently until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the meatloaf. Transfer the meat mixture to the parchment-lined loaf pan. Press gently into an even shape, slightly domed on top.
  6. Apply the first layer of glaze. Using a pastry brush, spread about 1/3 of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Apply the second layer. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush on another 1/3 of the glaze. Return to the oven.
  9. Bake for another 20 minutes. The meatloaf should be nearly cooked through.
  10. Apply the final layer and bake until done. Brush on the remaining glaze. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. Total baking time: about 60-65 minutes.
  11. Rest before slicing. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out, then slice and serve.

Notes

Sautéing the onion and garlic first prevents raw onion bits and adds deeper flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a turkey version, swap ground beef with ground turkey (93/7) and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Nutrition

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

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