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Cozy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Ketchup Brown Sugar Glaze

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A comforting classic meatloaf with a sticky, sweet ketchup and brown sugar glaze that balances savory, hearty meat with a caramelized topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 fat content)
  • 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, or panko)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120 g) ketchup
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, add them now.
  3. Mix gently but thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands until just blended. Avoid over-mixing.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9×5-inch loaf pan or form by hand on a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth to make the glaze.
  6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Then spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat mixture to avoid a dense loaf. Use ground beef with 20% fat for juiciness. Apply glaze twice during baking for a glossy, sticky finish. Let meatloaf rest before slicing. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Milk can be swapped with unsweetened almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, ketchup glaze, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-sweet-ketchup-brown-sugar-glaze/