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Classic Meatloaf Recipe Easy Comforting Meatloaf with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

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A quick and easy classic meatloaf recipe featuring ground beef with a sweet brown sugar glaze that delivers nostalgic comfort and juicy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup (90 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned; gluten-free optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let it sit for a minute to allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk.
  3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and eggs to the mixture.
  4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture into your loaf pan or shape it on a lined baking sheet. Pat it down evenly.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze.
  7. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a dense loaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F (71°C). If glaze browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For low-carb, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Vegetarian adaptations include lentils or mashed chickpeas with mushrooms and oats.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/classic-meatloaf-recipe-easy-comforting-meatloaf-with-sweet-brown-sugar-glaze/