Description
This classic meatloaf is tender, juicy, and topped with a sticky, tangy-sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into an irresistible crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food that makes a Tuesday night feel like a small celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup
- ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until sugar dissolves, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To the bowl with the panade, add ground beef, grated onion, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
- Transfer meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press into an even shape. Reserve about ¼ cup of glaze. Pour remaining glaze over the top and spread evenly.
- Place loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55-65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Pour off excess grease.
- Slice and serve with reserved glaze warmed on the side.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat mixture; overmixing makes the meatloaf tough. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. For easy cleanup, line the loaf pan with parchment paper. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe