Ah, meatloaf—the ultimate comfort food! I remember the first time I tried making a meatloaf. It was a chilly evening, and I had a craving for something hearty and nostalgic. I decided to whip up my grandma’s recipe, but I couldn’t resist putting my twist on it. Enter the brown sugar glaze! There’s just something about the sweet, sticky topping that transforms this timeless dish into something truly special.
This meatloaf is not just a savory blend of ground meat and spices; it’s a flavorful embrace that takes you back to family dinners and cozy gatherings. With the caramelization of the brown sugar glaze practicing its magic, it creates a beautifully sweet crust that pairs so well with the savory depths of the meatloaf inside. Plus, it’s fantastic for leftovers, nestled between some bread with a slather of mayonnaise—hello, meatloaf sandwich!
What’s in Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Ground Beef: The base of our meatloaf. I prefer to use ground chuck because it’s a good balance of fat and flavor—around 80/20 is ideal.
Breadcrumbs: These not only help bind the meatloaf but also give it the right texture. I usually opt for plain, but if you have seasoned ones, they can lend an extra flavor kick!
Eggs: A classic binding agent! They keep everything together so that you don’t end up with a crumbled mess.
Onion: Diced onion adds moisture and a sweet bite to the meatloaf. I recommend using yellow onions for their mild sweetness.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of this brings an aromatic essence, elevating the flavors of the meat.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
Ketchup: This is not just a condiment; it plays a key role in flavoring. Plus, it’s a vital ingredient in our glaze!
Brown Sugar: The star of our glaze! Its rich sweetness contributes to that mouth-watering crust and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the glaze. I love using Dijon, but yellow mustard works just as well.
Is Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Good for You?
While meatloaf may not top any health charts, it does have its benefits!
Ground Beef: Packed with protein, ground beef helps to support muscle growth and repair. I often choose leaner cuts when possible, because a little less fat doesn’t hurt!
Onion: They’re great for heart health and are loaded with antioxidants, making this a sneaky healthy addition.
Ketchup: A source of lycopene (an antioxidant), ketchup adds a touch of sweetness while bringing in some beneficial nutrients.
On the flip side, it’s good to watch the portions—meatloaf can be calorie-dense, especially if you’re not using lean ground beef or if you pile on the glaze. But hey, life’s all about balance, right? Enjoy a slice or two (because who can resist?) and savor it!
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 ground chuck)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup ketchup, plus 1/4 cup for glaze
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
– Servings: About 6-8 slices.
How to Make Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared pan.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. This will be our delicious glaze.
5. Pour approximately half of the glaze over the meatloaf, making sure to cover the top evenly.
6. Bake in the oven for 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze halfway through. This will create that sticky, sweet crust we all love!
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to keep it juicy!
Serving Suggestions to Delight Your Taste Buds!
– Pair your meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a real retro dinner vibe.
– Try serving it on fresh bread for meatloaf sandwiches; they make a perfect lunch the next day!
– For a fun twist, add some cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the meat mixture for an ooey-gooey center.
I absolutely encourage you to give this meatloaf recipe a try! It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the week. Don’t forget to tell me how it turned out or share your own variations on the classic dish. Happy cooking!
