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Homestyle Meatloaf: 10 Best Easy Comforting Brown Sugar Glaze

homestyle meatloaf - featured image

A moist, tender homestyle meatloaf featuring a savory-sweet brown sugar and ketchup glaze. This easy weeknight dinner balances texture and flavor for a comforting meal that appeals to both picky eaters and foodies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for sautéing)
  • Butter or cooking spray (for greasing pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat with butter or oil. Sauté diced onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic in the last minute. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
  4. Add ground beef, cooled onion mixture, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix with hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press down firmly to eliminate air pockets and smooth the top.
  6. In a small bowl, mix half of the brown sugar, half of the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and brush the remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use a panade (breadcrumbs and milk) to ensure moisture. Tent with foil to prevent the glaze from burning. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. For gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs for GF panko. For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, weeknight meals, homestyle cooking