Classic Comforting Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze
A simple and comforting meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet brown sugar glaze that balances savory flavors with a caramelized finish. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (about 75g), plain or seasoned
- ½ cup milk (120ml), whole or 2%
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g) for the glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup (60ml) for the glaze
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for the glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk lightly until blended.
- Stir in breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Let sit for a few minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
- Add ground beef and chopped onion. Gently mix with hands or spoon just until combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a 9×5 inch loaf pan or form a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard until smooth to prepare the glaze.
- Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until glaze is caramelized and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf. Let breadcrumbs soak in milk and eggs before adding meat for moisture. Use a silicone brush for even glaze application. Bake uncovered to allow glaze to caramelize properly. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Rest meatloaf before slicing for cleaner cuts and juicier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, weeknight meal