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Best Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe – Easy Dinner Idea

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This brown sugar glazed meatloaf is a crowd-pleasing comfort food with a sweet, caramelized crust and a tender, juicy interior. Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or weeknight meals, it’s made with simple ingredients and a secret grated apple for moisture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Mix the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and the grated apple. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined.
  5. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently, making sure there are no air pockets. Smooth the top with a spatula or your hands.
  6. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Reserve the rest for later.
  7. Bake the meatloaf: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Add the second glaze layer: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top, spreading it carefully. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest the meatloaf: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the meatloaf out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
  10. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut thick slices—about 1 inch each. Arrange on a platter and spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid toughness. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. The two-step glazing process creates a signature crackly top. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For a make-ahead option, prep the mixture and glaze the night before, then bake the next day, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, dinner idea, ground beef, ground pork, caramelized glaze

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