Disgustingly Good Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze at 350

Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food! I’m Riley, and if there’s one thing my Granny taught me, it’s how to make a killer meatloaf. But this isn’t just any meatloaf; we’re talking about Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and trust me, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. After years of tweaking, I think I’ve finally nailed the perfect recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Seriously, get ready to fall in love! This isn’t your average meatloaf. What’s so great about it? Well, let me tell ya:

It’s the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Who has time to slave away in the kitchen all evening? Not me! This meatloaf is surprisingly quick to throw together, which makes it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you’re scrambling to get dinner on the table.

The Brown Sugar Glaze is Irresistible

Okay, this is where the magic happens. That brown sugar glaze? It’s not just sweet; it’s got this amazing savory thing going on that takes the whole meatloaf experience to another level. It’s seriously addictive!

Family-Friendly and Approved

Getting the whole family to agree on dinner? Now *that’s* a challenge! But guess what? Even the picky eaters in my house gobble this meatloaf right up. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, from the little ones to the grown-ups.

The Best Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Alright, so what makes *my* Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze the best? It’s all about technique and proportions, honed over countless Sunday dinners. I’ve tried ’em all, believe me! This one? It’s got just the right amount of sweetness, the perfect texture, and it’s foolproof. Let’s get started!

Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Ingredients

Alright, gather ’round, because here’s what you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? Remember, Granny always said, “Good ingredients make good food!”

• 1 lb ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor!)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, both work!)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (yep, the regular kind!)
• 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (don’t skip this, it adds a secret somethin’ somethin’!)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste, I’m not your boss!)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy!)

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, your call!)
• 2 tbsp ketchup (more ketchup? Yep!)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for a little tang!)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (trust me on this one!)

How to Make Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where we get our hands dirty! Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze in no time. I promise!

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

First, in a large bowl (and I mean LARGE, you need some room!), gently combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s a super important tip: don’t overmix! Seriously, resist the urge. Overmixing makes the meatloaf tough, and nobody wants that. Just mix until everything is *barely* combined. Your hands are the best tools for this, trust me!

Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Alright, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet. I like to use my hands to make it nice and even. You can also use a loaf pan, but I find the baking sheet gives it a nice crust all around. Now, pop that baby in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Making the Brown Sugar Glaze

While the meatloaf is baking, let’s make that glorious glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly – about 5 minutes. Now, here’s the good part: during the last 15 minutes of baking, brush the meatloaf with the brown sugar glaze. This will give it that beautiful, sticky, sweet-and-savory crust we all crave. Careful, it splatters!

Resting and Slicing

Once the meatloaf is done (it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C – use a meat thermometer!), take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much juicier, more flavorful meatloaf. Slice it up and serve it hot. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Want to take your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips that’ll make all the difference. Trust me, these are game-changers!

Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf Mixture

I know I already said it, but it’s worth repeating: don’t overmix! Seriously, it’s the biggest mistake people make. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the meat tough – like shoe leather tough. Gently combine the ingredients until they’re *just* mixed. That’s the key!

Use a Meat Thermometer

Guesswork is the enemy of deliciousness! A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to making sure the meatloaf is cooked through but not dried out. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf to get an accurate reading. Safety first, yumminess always! For more on food safety, check out the FoodSafety.gov guidelines.

Let the Meatloaf Rest

Patience, my friend, patience! Letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing is essential. During resting, the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, making it unbelievably moist and flavorful. If you skip this step, all those precious juices will run out when you slice it, leaving you with a drier meatloaf. Don’t do it!

Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment! My favorite part is seeing what you all come up with!

Spicy Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch (or a generous pinch, I won’t judge!) of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture. It adds a little warmth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the glaze. Just remember to start small – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Italian Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

For an Italian twist, add a tablespoon or two of Italian seasoning and about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the meatloaf mixture. It gives it a completely different flavor profile that’s absolutely delicious. I sometimes add a little bit of chopped sun-dried tomatoes too for extra oomph!

Turkey Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Trying to be a little healthier? No problem! Just substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. It’s a lighter option that still tastes amazing with the brown sugar glaze. Just be careful not to overcook it, as turkey can dry out more easily than beef. Maybe add a little extra Worcestershire sauce to keep it moist!

Serving Suggestions for Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze… now what do you serve with it? Mashed potatoes are a classic, of course! But honestly, roasted veggies, a simple salad, or even some creamy mac and cheese work wonders. Whatever you’re in the mood for, really! Comfort food all the way!

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Got questions about making the perfect Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so you can nail this recipe every single time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, healthier alternative. Just remember that turkey’s leaner than beef, so it can dry out a bit easier. I recommend adding a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce to keep it nice and moist. Also, keep a close eye on the internal temperature – you still want to reach 160°F (71°C).

Can I make this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze ahead of time?

You betcha! This is a great make-ahead meal. Just prepare the meatloaf mixture as directed but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before to let it come to room temperature slightly, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftover Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?

Leftover meatloaf is the best! To store it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s great in sandwiches, crumbled into pasta sauce, or just reheated for another meal. To reheat, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or even pan-fry it for a crispy edge!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Okay, so you’re wondering about the nutrition? I’m no expert, but each serving clocks in around 350 calories, 20g fat, 25g protein, and 15g carbs. Just a rough guess, mind you!

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Craving more comfort food goodness? I got you! Why not try my Creamy Mashed Potatoes or some Roasted Root Vegetables? They’re perfect alongside this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze or as a cozy meal all on their own!

Enjoy Your Homemade Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze!

There you have it! My super easy, super delicious Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze! I really hope you give it a try. If you do, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, share your meatloaf masterpieces on social media – I can’t wait to see ’em!

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