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Kid-Approved Classic Glazed Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Topping

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This tender, juicy meatloaf is topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into candy-like edges. It’s a budget-friendly, kid-approved comfort food that comes together in just 15 minutes of hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced or grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using a loaf pan, lightly grease it.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until milk is absorbed.
  3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onion, garlic, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. If using a pan, press evenly.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  7. Spoon about half the glaze over the raw meatloaf and spread evenly. Reserve the rest.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes. The glaze will start to caramelize.
  9. Remove from oven and spoon remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If no thermometer, cut a small slit—juices should run clear.
  11. Let meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  12. Slice thick (about 1 inch) and serve warm with extra glaze from the pan.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use a rimmed baking sheet for better caramelization and crispy edges. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling. If the glaze gets too dark, tent with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Double the glaze if you like extra for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, glazed meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, kid-friendly meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/kid-approved-classic-glazed-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-topping/