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Classic Baked Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy & Juicy

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This classic baked meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is juicy, tender, and topped with a sweet, caramelized glaze that turns it into something almost candied. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you want a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ pound (225g) ground pork
  • 1 cup (120g) plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1½ teaspoons (9g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme (optional)
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (67g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon (1.5g) garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with ½ cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Prep the aromatics: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the parsley.
  5. Combine the meat mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, dried thyme (if using), and chopped parsley.
  6. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan. Gently press it into an even shape, leaving the top slightly rounded. Run your finger along the edge to create a small gap between the meat and the pan.
  8. Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  9. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  10. After 45 minutes, tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
  12. After resting, brush or spoon the remaining glaze over the top.
  13. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/classic-baked-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-and-juicy/