Introduction
Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf is a delightful twist on the traditional meatloaf, where savory, juicy ground beef is complemented by a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. The glaze, made with brown sugar, ketchup, and a touch of mustard, forms a sticky, flavorful crust that perfectly balances the hearty richness of the meat.
This dish is pure comfort food—it’s warm, filling, and packed with nostalgic flavors that make you feel right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this meatloaf is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms a simple dish into something truly special. The glaze is what makes it shine—sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky, it enhances every slice with a burst of flavor. I also love how reliable it is: the meatloaf stays juicy, holds its shape, and slices beautifully.
Plus, it’s customizable and forgiving. You can add vegetables, switch up the spices, or even swap the meat, and it will still turn out delicious. And let’s be honest—the leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day, especially in sandwiches.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Classic with a twist – Sweet brown sugar glaze sets it apart.
- Easy family dinner – Comforting and crowd-pleasing.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Juicy and flavorful – Never dry, always satisfying.
- Meal prep friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories: ~370 per serving
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Spread half the glaze on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Spread remaining glaze, bake 15 minutes more.
- Rest before slicing.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to prevent dryness).
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and shape into a loaf.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Spread remaining glaze on top and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Rest & Slice
- Remove from oven and let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
How to Serve
- Classic pairing: mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Add a side of buttered corn or roasted carrots for balance.
- Slice leftovers into sandwiches with extra glaze or BBQ sauce.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overbaking.
- Line the pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- For extra juiciness, mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheese.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Variations
- Turkey Meatloaf – Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- BBQ Glaze – Swap ketchup with smoky barbecue sauce.
- Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf – Add a cheese filling for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy Meatloaf – Mix chili flakes or hot sauce into the glaze.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer (uncooked): Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- Freezer (cooked): Freeze slices for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Special Equipment Needed
- Loaf pan or baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf is a delicious upgrade to the traditional meatloaf, bringing together the perfect balance of savory and sweet. With its juicy interior and caramelized glaze, it’s a recipe that feels both comforting and indulgent. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for leftovers, this dish is one you’ll come back to time and again. Serve it once, and it will instantly earn a permanent place on your dinner table.
Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf
Description
Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf is a delightful twist on the traditional meatloaf, where savory, juicy ground beef is complemented by a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. The glaze, made with brown sugar, ketchup, and a touch of mustard, forms a sticky, flavorful crust that perfectly balances the hearty richness of the meat.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
-
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture : In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to prevent dryness).
-
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf : Transfer mixture to the baking dish and shape into a loaf.
-
Step 4: Make the Glaze : In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
-
Step 5: Bake : Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.Spread remaining glaze on top and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
Step 6: Rest & Slice : Remove from oven and let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
