Oh, let me tell you about the joy of making a *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze*! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, instantly transporting me back to cozy family dinners around the table. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the rich aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes, filling the house with a warmth that just feels like home. Every bite is hearty and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweet from the brown sugar glaze and savory from the seasoned meat. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal after a long day. Trust me, once you try this classic recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation!
Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to achieving that mouthwatering *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze*! You’ll need 1 ½ pounds of ground beef; I prefer using an 80/20 blend for juiciness. Next, grab 1 cup of breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Don’t forget ½ cup of finely chopped onion for that perfect flavor kick! You’ll also need ½ cup of milk to keep the meatloaf moist, along with ¼ cup of ketchup for seasoning and a bit more for the glaze. For binding, you’ll want 2 eggs, plus 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for that savory depth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, for the sweet glaze that makes this dish shine, you’ll need ½ cup of packed brown sugar mixed with another ¼ cup of ketchup. Make sure to measure these carefully, and trust me, this combination is what makes your meatloaf utterly irresistible!
How to Prepare Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Preheat Your Oven
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly throughout. If your oven isn’t hot enough when you pop that delicious loaf in, you might end up with a soggy bottom, and nobody wants that! So, set that temperature and give it a few minutes to warm up while you prepare the rest.
Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to mix everything together! In a large bowl, throw in your 1 ½ pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, the finely chopped onion, ½ cup of milk, ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. I like to use my hands for this part—it’s the best way to ensure everything is well combined. You’re aiming for a mixture that’s moist but holds its shape when you form it into a loaf. Don’t overmix; just enough to blend those flavors will do the trick!
Shape and Bake
Once everything is mixed nicely, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. You can do this right in the bowl or on a clean surface. Make sure it’s compact but not too tight—think of it as giving it a gentle hug! Place your shaped loaf in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Now, slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just cut into the center— it should be brown and juices should run clear.
Prepare the Glaze
While your meatloaf is baking, let’s whip up that irresistible brown sugar glaze! In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of packed brown sugar with ¼ cup of ketchup. Mix it until it’s nice and smooth. Once your meatloaf has been baking for about 45 minutes, take it out and spread the glaze evenly over the top. This will caramelize beautifully as it finishes baking, creating a sweet and savory crust that you’ll absolutely love!
Rest Before Slicing
After baking for a total of 1 hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This is super important! Allowing it to rest helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring every slice is juicy and flavorful. Trust me, waiting just a little bit will make all the difference in the world!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze*! While I can’t guarantee exact numbers—because cooking can be a bit unpredictable—here’s a rough estimate for a serving size (1 slice). You’re looking at about 280 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It also packs in around 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is great for energy!
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust things like the type of ground beef or how much brown sugar you use in the glaze. But hey, this is comfort food we’re talking about, and a little wiggle room is perfectly okay. Enjoy every delicious bite while keeping these estimates in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze* is super easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and ingredients. You can whip it up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground beef and the sweet, sticky glaze creates a flavor profile that’s downright irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds!
- Family-Friendly: Meatloaf is a classic family favorite, and this recipe is no exception. Kids and adults alike will adore it, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This meatloaf tastes even better the next day! Use leftovers in sandwiches, or serve it with a fresh side for a quick meal. Truly versatile!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze* turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to keep in mind! First off, don’t hesitate to mix up the meat. While ground beef is classic, you can also use a blend of ground pork or turkey for a lighter version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey might take a bit longer.
Another tip is to add in some grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and flavor. They blend right in and no one will even notice! And remember, if you’re not a fan of ketchup, try using BBQ sauce instead for the glaze—it adds a delightful twist!
Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a little early. The last thing you want is a dry meatloaf! With these tips, you’ll be a meatloaf pro in no time!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze* ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a truly comforting meal! One of my all-time favorites is creamy mashed potatoes. They’re perfect for soaking up that delicious glaze, and who doesn’t love a big scoop of buttery potatoes on their plate? You can also add some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a pop of color and a nutritious crunch.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try serving it with a side of tangy coleslaw. The crunch and acidity balance the richness of the meatloaf beautifully. And don’t forget a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the glaze! Trust me, these sides will elevate your meatloaf dinner to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze* properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come! Once your meatloaf has cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just slice it into portions, wrap each slice individually, and pop them in the freezer. It’ll last for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatloaf slices in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in and prevent drying out, then heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy every juicy bite!
Nutrition information can vary based on the ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust things like the type of ground beef or how much brown sugar you use in the glaze.
Classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: 5 Reasons to Love It
Classic meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for Sunday dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ketchup for the glaze.
- Spread the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Resting time allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, dinner recipe