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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This classic meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and topped with a sticky, sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ tsp mustard powder (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and ½ tsp mustard powder. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  4. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and ½ cup milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  5. Combine everything: To the soaked breadcrumbs, add the ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press gently and evenly, shaping the top into a slight dome.
  7. Apply the glaze: Pour about half of the prepared glaze over the meatloaf and spread evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  8. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before lifting out with the parchment paper. Slice and serve.

Notes

For a moist meatloaf, do not overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. The glaze is applied in two stages for a thicker, caramelized crust.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-best-homemade-recipe/