Print

Comforting Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

comforting classic meatloaf - featured image
Print Recipe

A nostalgic and easy-to-make classic meatloaf with a sweet, sticky brown sugar glaze that balances savory flavors perfectly. Ideal for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the glaze:
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the glaze by whisking together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and optional cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and Parmesan if using. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Press the meat mixture evenly into a 9×5 inch loaf pan or shape freehand on a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Spread half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf. Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to keep the meatloaf moist. Apply the glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized finish. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. Let rest before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, sweet brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe, family dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/comforting-classic-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-sweet-brown-sugar-glaze/