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Cozy Grandma’s Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

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A comforting and easy meatloaf recipe featuring a moist, tender loaf topped with a sweet-savory brown sugar glaze. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed and the mixture is soggy but not mushy.
  4. Add the ground beef, egg, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently combine using clean hands or a spoon, mixing just until combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it on a rimmed baking sheet. Press gently to form an even loaf about 8 inches long.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 55-60 minutes. About 10 minutes before the end, check if the glaze is browning too quickly; if so, tent the meatloaf with foil.
  8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture light and tender. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is essential for moisture. Apply the glaze at the start of baking for a sticky, caramelized finish. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling. Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. If glaze browns too fast, tent with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ground beef, cozy recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-grandmas-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-brown-sugar-glaze-steps/