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A traditional meatloaf with a rich brown sugar glaze, freshly baked and ready to serve.

Traditional Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

This classic meatloaf recipe features a savory blend of ground beef and seasonings, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. It's a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • loaf pan or baking sheet
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, then mix until just combined.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan or form it into an oblong loaf on the parchment paper.

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  • Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Baking

  • Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. An instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Always allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.