Description
A warm and comforting meatloaf featuring a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze paired with rich caramelized onions, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (75 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (dairy-free milk optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and caramelized onions (reserve some for topping). Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a meatloaf pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Pat down firmly but do not pack tightly.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the meatloaf and sprinkle reserved caramelized onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Use 80% lean ground beef for best texture. Patience is key when caramelizing onions—cook low and slow. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the loaf tender. Tent with foil if glaze browns too fast. Let meatloaf rest before slicing for cleaner cuts. Gluten-free and low-carb substitutions are possible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of meat
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef, cozy meal