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Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze (Easy 60-Min Recipe)

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This classic meatloaf features a sticky, tangy-sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a perfect crust, while the inside stays tender and juicy. Ready in under an hour, it’s a foolproof comfort food that delivers every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the glaze: 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. Sauté the onion and garlic (optional but recommended): Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ⅓ cup ketchup, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  5. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.
  6. Add the onion and garlic: Stir in the sautéed (or raw) onion and garlic.
  7. Add the ground beef: Crumble the ground beef into the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  8. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, uniform in thickness.
  9. Apply the first layer of glaze: Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread about half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake undisturbed.
  11. Apply the second layer of glaze: After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush or spoon the remaining glaze over the top.
  12. Continue baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) at the thickest part.
  13. Let it rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
  14. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut thick slices.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat; use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing; for more crust, shape into a flatter loaf on a baking sheet; line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/best-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-60-min-recipe/