Description

A juicy, tender meatloaf made with a mix of ground beef and pork, topped with a sticky, savory-sweet brown sugar glaze. This reliable, budget-friendly recipe ensures moist results every time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound 80/20 ground beef
½ pound ground pork (optional)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup ketchup
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
½ cup plain dried breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2–3 strips bacon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a baking sheet with foil.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper to make the glaze. Reserve half for the meat mixture and half for the top.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pork (if using), onion, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and half of the glaze mixture.
Gently mix ingredients by hand until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet. Shape into a loaf, ensuring rounded ends.
Bake for 45 minutes. Check internal temperature; it should be around 155°F (68°C).
Remove from oven and pour remaining glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to prevent toughness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture. For a crispier exterior, bake on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 650
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 28

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, ground beef, ground pork, easy dinner, comfort food, family meals, leftovers