Description
Meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is a classic baked dish with a sweet-savory finish. Juicy beef and a caramelized topping make it a timeless comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Carefully mold the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, positioning it in a lightly greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make a smooth glaze.
- Generously coat the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze, reserving the remaining portion for later application.
- Bake for 45 minutes so the meatloaf begins to set and develop flavor.
- Remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (70C), guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
- After removing from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense texture that can make the meatloaf less tender and enjoyable.
- Opt for lean ground beef around 85% lean to ensure the meatloaf stays moist without becoming greasy or dry.
- Consider adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf extra juicy during baking.
- For gluten-free options, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats to maintain the perfect binding consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg