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Kid-Approved Honey Garlic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This honey garlic meatloaf features a sweet-savory double glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, glossy crust, keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s a family-friendly comfort food that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Make the brown sugar base glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup ketchup until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the loaf pan. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the honey garlic top glaze: In another small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  4. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Use your hands to mix just until combined.
  5. Shape and place the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan on top of the brown sugar glaze. Gently press it into an even loaf shape. Don’t pack it down too hard.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes. Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any glaze that bubbles over. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully drain off any excess fat.
  7. Apply the honey garlic glaze: Brush or spoon the honey garlic mixture evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Return the pan to the oven.
  8. Bake for another 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Rest before slicing: Remove the pan from the oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice and serve: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan using the parchment paper or a spatula. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve with the caramelized glaze from the bottom of the pan spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid a dense texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For extra crispy edges, broil sliced pieces for 2-3 minutes after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, kid-friendly meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/kid-approved-honey-garlic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/