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Cozy Homemade Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

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A moist and tender meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze that delivers comforting, flavorful home-cooked goodness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style, or panko for lighter texture)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free almond milk)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (recommend Heinz or good-quality)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan lightly or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and lightly beaten eggs.
  3. Add milk, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the bowl.
  4. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly without overmixing.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press down gently to shape into a neat loaf without packing too tightly.
  6. Prepare the glaze by mixing brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
  7. Brush about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Then brush the remaining glaze on top and bake for another 15 minutes to create a sticky crust.
  9. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, slice into the center to ensure juices run clear.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist and make cutting easier.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze is key for a sweet and tangy finish; do not skip the apple cider vinegar in the glaze to avoid cloying sweetness. You can swap breadcrumbs for ground oats for gluten-free, or use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Double-glazing halfway through baking creates a sticky, caramelized crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, ketchup glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade meatloaf, cozy meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-homemade-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-ketchup-glaze/