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Savory Meatloaf with Brown Sugar 1

Savory Meatloaf with Brown Sugar

This delicious meatloaf perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors with a tantalizing brown sugar glaze that transforms this classic comfort food into a meal your family will request again and again.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meatloaf, Brown Sugar Meatloaf, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 375kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet or 9x5 Loaf Pan
  • Foil or Parchment Paper
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 medium onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs panko or traditional
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar preferably dark brown
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, or prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking surface. If using a baking sheet, shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 9x5 inches. For a loaf pan, press the mixture in evenly, leaving a slight depression in the center.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and ground cloves until smooth to create the glaze.
  • Spread about 1/3 of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes, then remove from the oven and carefully drain any excess fat. Apply another 1/3 of the glaze and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Apply the remaining glaze just before serving.

Notes

For a healthier version: use a 50/50 blend of beef and ground turkey, whole grain breadcrumbs, and reduce the brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup. Adding grated carrots or zucchini will boost the vegetable content.
Make-ahead tip: This meatloaf can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
For gluten-free needs, use certified gluten-free oats instead of breadcrumbs, and for dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk works well in place of regular milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 580mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g
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