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Kid-Approved Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

kid-approved classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
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A tender, juicy meatloaf with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze that wins over even the pickiest eaters. This easy, budget-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in about an hour for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) ketchup
  • ½ cup (75g) yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice onion and mince garlic. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for free-form method.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ⅓ cup ketchup, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Transfer meat mixture to prepared loaf pan or shape into a 6×4-inch loaf on baking sheet. Press evenly and round the top slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard until sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside half of the glaze for later.
  5. Cover meatloaf loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  6. Remove foil. Brush or spoon half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
  7. Return meatloaf to oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Brush remaining glaze over meatloaf. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or juices run clear with no pink.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf to keep it tender. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. If glaze gets too dark during last 15 minutes, tent with foil. For best results, use 80/20 ground beef. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, kid-friendly, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef, family meal, budget-friendly

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/kid-approved-classic-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/