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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Easy Best Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze is moist, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 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
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. You can also lightly grease the pan with cooking spray.
  2. In your large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir them together and let them sit for 5 minutes. The breadcrumbs will absorb the milk, creating a paste. This is your panade.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Let this cool slightly.
  4. To the bowl with the panade, add the sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix these wet ingredients together first. Then, add the ground beef. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Gently press it into an even shape, making sure there are no air pockets. Don’t pack it down too firmly.
  6. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. While the meatloaf is baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Set it aside.
  8. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon or brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Then, apply the remaining glaze and bake for a final 15-20 minutes. Total baking time should be about 75-80 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf. It should read 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the meatloaf out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf to keep it tender. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices. The glaze can be adjusted with more or less cayenne for heat.

Nutrition

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

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