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Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onions

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A comforting meatloaf with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze and rich caramelized onions, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend; can mix half ground pork for extra tenderness)
  • 3/4 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (for caramelizing)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for caramelizing onions)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Mix gently until combined but not overworked.
  4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place in the loaf pan or shape freeform on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread half of the caramelized onions evenly over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
  5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  6. Spread the glaze evenly over the caramelized onions layer on the meatloaf.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if glaze darkens too quickly.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Serve with remaining caramelized onions on top or alongside.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for best flavor. Avoid overmixing meat to keep loaf tender. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest meatloaf before slicing to retain juices. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Baking freeform on a sheet pan creates crispier edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, caramelized onions, easy meatloaf, comfort food, weeknight dinner, savory meatloaf

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/savory-brown-sugar-glazed-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-onions/