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Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for company.

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 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and set aside about ¼ cup of the glaze for basting later.
  3. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  4. Add the aromatics: To the breadcrumb mixture, add beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the meat: Add ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the meatloaf: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and gently press into an even shape. Do not pack it down.
  7. Apply the glaze: Pour the larger portion of glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading evenly and letting some drip down the sides.
  8. Bake the meatloaf: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, brush on the reserved ¼ cup of glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest the meatloaf: Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper sling, lift it out and transfer to a cutting board or cooling rack. Let rest for another 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice and serve: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut 1-inch thick slices. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, shape the meatloaf free-form on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. Reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes. The glaze can be doubled for extra to drizzle over servings. Leftovers are even better the next day.

Nutrition

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

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