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Best Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf – Easy Family Dinner

brown sugar glazed meatloaf - featured image

This Best Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf is a game-changing comfort food with a sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes into a perfect crust. It’s quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 finely diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
  4. Mix gently using your hands until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press gently into an even shape, leaving a slight indentation down the center.
  6. Spoon about 1/3 of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch drips.
  8. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon another 1/3 of the glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  9. Check for doneness: The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) at the center.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  11. Warm the remaining glaze slightly. Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices and drizzle with the reserved glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid toughness. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs before adding. The glaze can be doubled for extra basting and serving.

Nutrition

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