Print

Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

best classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This classic meatloaf features a tender, juicy interior and a glossy, caramelized brown sugar glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  3. Add the beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir until combined.
  4. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.
  5. Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix the beef into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Press the meat mixture into the pan evenly. Alternatively, shape the meat into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes.
  8. While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  9. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon or brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven.
  10. Bake for another 15 minutes.
  11. Remove the meatloaf again and apply the remaining glaze.
  12. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Total cooking time is about 60-65 minutes.
  13. Remove from the oven and let rest on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
  14. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve.

Notes

If your oven runs hot, lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C) after the first 30 minutes to prevent the glaze from burning. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For extra glaze, double the glaze recipe and reserve half for serving.

Nutrition

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