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Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This cozy classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and perfect for cold nights when you need a hug on a plate.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until brown sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Set aside 1/4 cup for brushing; reserve the rest for serving.
  3. Prep aromatics: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Optionally, sauté onion in a little oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, beaten eggs, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined (about 2 minutes). Do not overmix.
  5. Shape and glaze: Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to distribute evenly. Brush top and sides with 1/4 cup of the glaze.
  6. Bake: Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55-65 minutes. At 40 minutes, brush on another thin layer of glaze. Meatloaf is done when internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest and serve: Let meatloaf rest in pan for 10 minutes. Lift out using parchment, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve with reserved glaze.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best moisture. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Line pan with parchment for easy cleanup. For a beef-pork blend, use meatloaf mix for extra flavor.

Nutrition

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

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