Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze. In this article, we’ll share with you a mouthwatering meatloaf recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect blend of flavors and a sticky, sweet glaze, this meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this meatloaf recipe stands out from the rest:
1. Flavorful and Moist: This meatloaf is packed with a medley of herbs and spices that add depth and richness to each bite. The combination of ground beef and breadcrumbs ensures a moist and tender texture.
2. Brown Sugar Glaze: The brown sugar glaze adds a delightful sweetness and caramelization to the meatloaf. It creates a sticky and slightly crispy crust that enhances the overall taste and presentation.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meatloaf ready to be enjoyed in no time.
4. Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add your favorite herbs or spices, experiment with different types of ground meat or even incorporate vegetables for an extra nutritional boost.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
For the brown sugar glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the greased baking dish and shape it into a loaf shape.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a caramelized crust, broil the meatloaf for an additional 2-3 minutes after it’s fully cooked.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfect every time:
1. Choose the right ground beef: Opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. This will help keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
2. Don’t overmix the meat: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in a denser and tougher texture.
3. Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking will help retain its juices and make it easier to slice.
4. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C).
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize this meatloaf recipe to suit your taste preferences:
1. Ground Meat Variation: Instead of using only ground beef, you can experiment with a combination of ground beef, pork, or veal for a unique flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Additions: Add extra nutrition and flavor by incorporating finely chopped vegetables into the meat mixture. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work great in meatloaf.
3. Glaze Substitution: If you’re not a fan of the brown sugar glaze, you can substitute it with your favorite barbecue sauce or tomato-based glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
1. Serve the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic comfort food combination.
2. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a lighter meal option.
3. Make meatloaf sandwiches by slicing the meatloaf and placing it between two slices of bread or a soft bun.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply shape the meat mixture into a loaf, glaze it, and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover meatloaf. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of glaze?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different glazes to suit your taste preferences. Barbecue sauce, honey mustard glaze, or even a tangy teriyaki glaze would all work well with this meatloaf.
Final Thoughts
Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a classic dish that never fails to impress. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and sticky glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this meatloaf will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meatloaf that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
A mouthwatering meatloaf recipe with a sticky, sweet brown sugar glaze that is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with flavorful herbs and spices, this meatloaf is moist, tender, and customizable to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
-
Transfer the meat mixture to the greased baking dish and shape it into a loaf shape.
-
In a separate small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze.
-
Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
-
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
-
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
