Print

Classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy Family Dinner

classic old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic old-fashioned meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is a simple, forgiving recipe that delivers incredible flavor every time. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a sweet-tangy glaze, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. If you don’t have parchment, grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk together until well combined.
  3. Add the breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a fork or spatula until it forms a thick, pasty mixture. Let it sit for about 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.
  4. Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix the meat and breadcrumb mixture together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it gently into the pan, smoothing the top. If shaping free-form on a baking sheet, form into a loaf shape about the same size as a standard loaf pan.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze. Whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  7. Spread about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  8. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  11. Lift the meatloaf out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices before serving.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf to avoid toughness. Let the breadcrumb mixture rest for 2 minutes before adding the meat. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Apply glaze in stages for a caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, old-fashioned meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/classic-old-fashioned-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-family-dinner/