Homemade Brown Sugar Meatloaf Recipe

This recipe outlines how to create a classic Homemade Brown Sugar Meatloaf, a comforting and flavorful dish often served as a centerpiece for family meals. The image prominently features a baked meatloaf, generously coated with a glistening, rich, reddish-brown glaze, and garnished with chopped fresh herbs (likely parsley). The meatloaf itself is neatly sliced, revealing a dense yet tender texture, indicating it’s well-cooked and moist. The signature of this particular meatloaf is the sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, which caramelizes beautifully during baking, adding a delicious depth of flavor and a visually appealing sheen to the dish.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs (approx. 900g) lean ground beef (e.g., 80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup soft bread crumbs (from about 2 slices of bread, pulsed in a food processor, or use panko breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for moisture)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion (about 1 small onion)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional, for flavor and moisture)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or a baking sheet
  • Small bowl (for mixing glaze)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, lightly beaten egg, soft bread crumbs, and milk.
    • Add the finely chopped onion, optional green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
    • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
    • Using your hands (which is often the most effective method), gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf. The mixture should be moist but hold together.
  2. Form and Bake the Meatloaf:
    • Option A (Loaf Pan): Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared pan. This method helps the meatloaf maintain its shape.
    • Option B (Freeform on Baking Sheet): If you prefer a crustier meatloaf with more surface area for the glaze, you can form the mixture into a loaf shape (approximately 9×5 inches and 2-3 inches high) directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. This also allows for easier draining of fat.
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the meatloaf (in the loaf pan or on the baking sheet) into the preheated oven.
    • Bake for 45-50 minutes before applying the glaze. This initial baking helps the meatloaf firm up and prevents the glaze from burning too quickly.
  3. Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze:
    • While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, packed light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, optional Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
    • Whisk all the glaze ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be a thick, pourable sauce.
  4. Glaze and Finish Baking:
    • After the meatloaf has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove it from the oven.
    • Evenly pour or spread the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it covers the entire surface. You can use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it.
    • Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven.
    • Continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized, achieving a beautiful reddish-brown color.
  5. Rest and Serve:
    • Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
    • This is a crucial step: let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring it remains moist and tender. It also helps the meatloaf hold its shape better when sliced.
    • Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter.
    • Slice the meatloaf into thick, even pieces, as shown in the image.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.
    • Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

This Homemade Brown Sugar Meatloaf is a truly satisfying meal that brings together classic comfort with a delightful sweet and savory twist. The tender beef combined with the caramelized glaze makes it a family favorite that is sure to disappear quickly.

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