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Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Best Easy Dinner Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, flavorful, and topped with a sticky caramelized crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang. Lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and ½ cup milk. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
  5. Add the ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika to the bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just combined (about 30 seconds).
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Gently press into an even shape without packing too firmly.
  7. Spread about half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  8. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes. After 40 minutes, spread the remaining glaze over the top and continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the foil overhang to lift it out, transfer to a cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve with pan juices.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to keep slices intact. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk. The glaze can be doubled if you love extra glaze.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-best-easy-dinner-recipe/