Description
This isn’t your average meatloaf. It’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to a secret panade, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky crust, and served with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a weeknight redemption story that will make you fall in love with comfort food all over again.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 lbs (1.4kg) Yukon Gold potatoes
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- ¼ cup (60g) sour cream
- Kosher salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid, creating a panade.
- To the bowl with the panade, add the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Do not pack it too tightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon or brush about half of the glaze over the top and sides. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan again and spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Bake for a final 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes.
- While the meatloaf rests, make the mashed potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for a minute to steam off excess moisture. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the warm milk (or cream) and sour cream. Mash or rice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Slice the rested meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices. Serve immediately with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and a drizzle of pan juices over the top.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Warm the milk or cream before adding to mashed potatoes to prevent a gluey texture. The panade (milk-soaked breadcrumbs) is essential for a moist loaf. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of meatloaf
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, mashed potatoes, comfort food, classic meatloaf, ground beef, ground pork, easy dinner, family meal