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classic beef meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

Homemade Classic Beef Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A tender, savory beef meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into an irresistible crust. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 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. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and form a paste (panade).
  3. While the panade rests, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. For best results, grate the onion on a box grater.
  4. To the panade, add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined loaf pan. Press gently to remove air pockets and smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes.
  6. While the meatloaf bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush or spoon about half the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. After 15 minutes, brush the remaining glaze over the top. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) at the center.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board or cooling rack. Let rest another 5 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve warm.

Notes

For a tender meatloaf, do not overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. The glaze is applied in two stages for a thick, caramelized crust.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of reci
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 24
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: meatloaf, beef meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, classic meatloaf, easy dinner

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/homemade-classic-beef-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/