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Best Classic Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Southern meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
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This Best Classic Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a comforting, family-friendly dinner featuring a perfectly moist meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a glossy crust. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¾ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on each side.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain breadcrumbs with ½ cup whole milk. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a paste.
  3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup ketchup, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef, the soaked breadcrumb mixture, sautéed onion and garlic, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the parchment-lined loaf pan. Press gently into the pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or your hand. Avoid packing too tightly.
  7. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread about ⅓ of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  8. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the pan and brush another ⅓ of the glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes (total baking time: 60-65 minutes).
  9. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 160°F (71°C). If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  11. After resting, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top (reheat if needed) and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat—mix just until combined to keep it tender. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (160°F). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and cleanup. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before using.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, southern meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-classic-southern-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/