Description
A moist, tender beef meatloaf featuring a sticky, sweet, and savory brown sugar glaze. This easy 5-ingredient base recipe is simple to make, feeds a crowd, and delivers comfort food perfection without the dryness of traditional meatloaf.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 slices white bread, torn into pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Tear white bread into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour milk over the bread and let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
- Add ground beef, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the soaked bread.
- Mix ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a loaf, approximately 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, with a rounded top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to make the glaze.
- Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then brush the remaining glaze over the top.
- Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to prevent toughness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes is crucial for retaining moisture. The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess to taste. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 i
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: meatloaf, beef meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, family dinner, ground beef recipes