Print

Best Easy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic meatloaf features a tender, juicy interior and a sweet, sticky brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a gorgeous crust. It’s the recipe that converted a fifteen-year meatloaf skeptic and will change your mind about this humble comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  4. Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooled onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Shape the top into a slight dome.
  7. Place loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  8. After 45 minutes, brush a generous layer of glaze over the top and sides. Bake 10 minutes. Apply another layer of glaze and bake 10 more minutes.
  9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C). Continue baking in 5-minute increments if needed.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use parchment to lift out and transfer to a cutting board. Rest another 5 minutes before slicing.
  11. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve with extra glaze spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade (milk and breadcrumb mixture) – it ensures a tender texture. Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid tough meatloaf. Apply glaze only during the last 20 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/best-easy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/