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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.