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The Best Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy 5-Star Recipe

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This classic meatloaf with a caramelized brown sugar glaze is incredibly moist, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner that even skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the panade: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the liquid.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside.
  5. Combine the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, panade, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined.
  6. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently and evenly.
  7. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spread about half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake the meatloaf: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest the meatloaf: Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm.

Notes

For a more caramelized crust, broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch closely so the glaze doesn’t burn. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/the-best-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-5-star-recipe/