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Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze (Best Homemade Recipe)

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This Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet-sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like comfort food from a beloved diner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Make the 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, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool.
  4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  5. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Let sit for 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
  6. Add the meat and onions: Add the ground beef, ground pork, and cooled onion mixture. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet. If using a loaf pan, press gently. If free-form, shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Apply the first layer of glaze: After 30 minutes, spoon or brush about half the glaze over the top and sides. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  10. Apply the second layer and finish baking: After 15 minutes, apply the remaining glaze. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  11. Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, tented loosely with foil, before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for moisture. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it tender. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

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

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