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Cozy Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

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A comforting and hearty meatloaf with a sweet brown sugar glaze that creates a sticky, caramelized crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 3/4 cup (85 g) plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, melted
  • Optional: dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix again to distribute seasoning evenly.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Press down gently and shape into a compact loaf.
  5. Prepare the sweet brown sugar glaze by mixing brown sugar, ketchup, and melted butter in a small bowl. Add smoked paprika or hot sauce if desired.
  6. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, brush the remaining glaze on top.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense meatloaf. Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep it tender. Apply the glaze in two stages to create a sticky, caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep it moist. If glaze burns, cover loosely with foil.

Nutrition

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