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Brown Sugar Mustard Meatloaf Recipe Easy Comforting Dinner with Onion Gravy

brown sugar mustard meatloaf - featured image

A tender, slow-roasted meatloaf glazed with a sweet and tangy brown sugar mustard mixture, topped with rich caramelized onion gravy. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, or panko)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed (light brown sugar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Brush the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, brushing with additional glaze halfway through. Use foil tent if glaze browns too quickly. Meatloaf is done when internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. While baking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  7. Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped with caramelized onion gravy.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid dense texture. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness. Brush glaze twice for a sticky, flavorful crust. Slow caramelization of onions is key for rich gravy flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature of 160°F (71°C). For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko and use gluten-free beef broth. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar mustard glaze, caramelized onion gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal