Print

Wholesome Classic Meatloaf with Perfect Brown Sugar Glaze

classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

This wholesome classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sticky-sweet caramelized crust. Made with simple ingredients and smart techniques, it’s comfort food that fits into a balanced lifestyle and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain panko recommended)
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and form a paste (panade).
  4. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme to the panade. Mix until just combined.
  5. Add the ground beef and use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even shape without packing too tightly.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
  8. Spread about half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out, then transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes lifting the meatloaf out easy. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before making the panade. Double the glaze and serve extra on the side.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/wholesome-classic-meatloaf-with-perfect-brown-sugar-glaze/