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Cozy Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Best Easy Recipe

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This incredibly tender meatloaf, with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze, is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a Sunday supper, and it will convert even the biggest meatloaf skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the panade: In your large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have soaked up the milk and formed a paste.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: While the panade rests, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil, then add the diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Let this cool for a minute or two.
  4. Combine the meatloaf ingredients: To the bowl with the panade, add the sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything together with a fork until it’s a uniform paste.
  5. Add the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Press it down gently and evenly, making sure there are no air pockets.
  7. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
  8. Apply the glaze: Pour about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Reserve the rest for later.
  9. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Apply the second layer of glaze: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Rest: Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade—it’s the secret to a tender meatloaf. Use your hands to mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For easier cleanup, line the loaf pan with parchment paper.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-best-easy-recipe/