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Easy Old-Fashioned Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is the ultimate comfort food. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes into a perfect crust over tender, savory meat, creating a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1/3 cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×5 inch loaf pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the glaze first: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. Dice the onion as finely as possible.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  5. Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using) to the bowl. Stir until it forms a thick paste. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add ground beef and diced onion to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press gently to remove air pockets without packing too firmly. Shape into a slight dome on top.
  8. Pour about half of the glaze over the meatloaf and spread evenly, letting some drip down the sides. Reserve remaining glaze.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  10. After 45 minutes, carefully remove from oven and spoon or brush remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  11. Check for doneness: Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  12. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  13. Use the foil overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the milk – it keeps the meatloaf moist. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid tough meatloaf. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for clean slices. Line your pan for easy cleanup. For extra glaze, double the glaze recipe and drizzle over individual slices when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, old-fashioned meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, family meal