Description
A modern, moist meatloaf recipe featuring a savory beef mixture and a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) plain dried breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120g) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 18×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, approximately 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, with a slightly rounded top.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Brush about half of the warm glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze over the top.
- Return to oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows fat to drain and heat to circulate evenly. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes is crucial for juiciness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, family meals, one pan dinner