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Cozy Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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A comforting meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze paired with creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled (for roasting)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or shape it on a lined rimmed baking sheet. Pat evenly without compressing tightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Place peeled garlic cloves in a small roasting dish, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for about 25 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  5. Spread half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
  6. Remove meatloaf from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, then bake another 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  7. While meatloaf bakes, boil quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  8. In a large bowl, mash potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and warm cream until creamy but not gluey. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
  9. Serve meatloaf warm with a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. Let breadcrumbs soak in milk for juiciness. Apply glaze halfway through baking to create a sticky crust without burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices. Roasting garlic mellows flavor and adds creaminess to mashed potatoes. For dairy-free, substitute cream and butter with vegan alternatives. Glaze is essential for flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cozy recipe