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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Best Easy Recipe

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This cozy classic meatloaf features a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that bakes into a gorgeous, crackly shell over tender, juicy meat. It’s an easy, forgiving recipe perfect for cozy nights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup (120g) plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze for basting later.
  3. Finely dice the onion. Optionally, sauté in a little oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and the diced onion.
  5. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika over the wet mixture. Stir gently with a fork until just combined.
  6. Add the ground beef. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your parchment-lined loaf pan. Press it in gently, shaping it into an even loaf. Do not pack it down hard.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon about half the reserved glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
  10. After 10 minutes, pull the meatloaf out again and add the remaining glaze. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (160°F/71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs before adding. Make extra glaze to serve on the side.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-best-easy-recipe/