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Savory Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

savory meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

A comforting and flavorful meatloaf featuring a sticky, sweet-savory brown sugar glaze that caramelizes to perfection. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (90 grams)
  • 1/2 cup milk (120 ml), whole milk recommended
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (110 grams), packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the crumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients: To the soaked breadcrumbs, add ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or shape it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press gently to form a uniform loaf.
  6. Apply the glaze: Brush about half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. After this, brush the remaining glaze on top and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Rest the meatloaf: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Use ground beef with about 20% fat for juiciness. Apply the glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it moist. Tent with foil if glaze darkens too quickly. For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika to the meat mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, savory meatloaf, homemade meatloaf, weeknight meal