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Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy caramelized glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings people together, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. If using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, line it with foil or parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to soak.
  3. While breadcrumbs soak, heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until simmering, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. To the bowl with soaked breadcrumbs, add ground beef, beaten eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and parsley (if using). Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. If using a loaf pan, transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan and press gently to remove air pockets. If using a baking sheet, shape into an 8×4-inch loaf.
  7. Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly, letting it drip down the sides.
  8. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. If using a loaf pan, set it on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This is crucial for the meatloaf to hold its shape when sliced.
  11. Transfer to a cutting board or serving platter, slice into even pieces, and serve warm with extra glaze from the pan if desired.

Notes

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is key to a tender meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without drying out. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling. For extra caramelized edges, shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. Double the glaze recipe if you want extra for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, old-fashioned meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef, dinner recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/old-fashioned-meatloaf-recipe-with-brown-sugar-glaze/