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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Best Easy Dinner

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This classic meatloaf with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Set aside.
  4. Combine the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and parsley. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  5. Check the seasoning: Take a small spoonful of the mixture, cook it in a skillet for a minute, and taste it. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and press it gently into an even shape. Do not pack it down too hard.
  7. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread it evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  8. Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Apply the second glaze layer: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: The meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Rest before slicing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
  12. Slice and serve: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, or slice it directly in the pan. Cut into 1-inch thick slices and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Let the breadcrumbs sit in the milk for about 5 minutes before adding to the meat mixture to create a panade for extra moisture. Do not overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The meatloaf tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

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

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