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30-Minute Easy Weeknight Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This 30-minute easy weeknight meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is juicy, flavorful, and comes together faster than you’d expect. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes on top, creating an addictive crust while the meatloaf stays moist and tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup breadcrumbs and ⅓ cup milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
  4. To the breadcrumb mixture, add 1 ½ pounds ground beef, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Mix gently with your hands just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, slightly taller in the center and tapered at the ends.
  7. Brush about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes.
  9. After 20 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center—juices should run clear and there should be no pink.
  11. Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  12. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Use a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan for better browning. Let the meat come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing for even cooking. Apply the glaze in two layers for maximum flavor. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart. The meatloaf is even better the next day as flavors meld overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, weeknight dinner, easy meatloaf, 30-minute meal, ground beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/30-minute-easy-weeknight-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/