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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet, tangy caramelized crust. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 10 minutes of prep and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Optionally, grate half the onion on a box grater for more moisture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
  5. Stir in 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
  6. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic until evenly distributed.
  7. Add 2 lbs of ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press it into an even loaf shape, avoiding air pockets. Do not pack too tightly.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F.
  10. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon or brush about half the brown sugar glaze over the top and sides. Reserve the rest for serving.
  11. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center.
  12. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  13. Use the parchment paper to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with the remaining glaze on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade (breadcrumbs and milk mixture) — it keeps the meatloaf tender. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid tough meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-weeknight-dinner/