Classic Comforting Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze
A classic, comforting meatloaf with a sweet brown sugar glaze that balances savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ¾ cup (90 grams) plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk, whole or 2%
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup, divided
- ⅓ cup (65 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in ½ cup (120 ml) milk for 5 minutes until soft.
- Optional: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of oil. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup, salt, pepper, dried herbs (if using), and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press gently to form an even loaf. Smooth the top.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup and ⅓ cup (65 grams) packed brown sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake on the middle rack for 55-65 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if glaze darkens too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, dry loaf. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk keeps the meatloaf moist. Sautéing onions and garlic is optional but adds depth. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest the meatloaf before slicing to keep it juicy. For more browning, remove from pan after 40 minutes and finish baking on a rimmed baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of meat
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ground beef recipe