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Best Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf Recipe – Easy & Perfect

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This Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf features a caramelized brown sugar topping that creates a sticky-sweet crust, while the inside stays tender and juicy. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the milk and egg mixture. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your lined loaf pan. Press it gently into an even shape, making sure there are no air pockets.
  6. Make the brown sugar topping: In the same small bowl, combine the packed dark brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
  7. Spread the topping evenly over the meatloaf, using the back of a spoon to reach the edges.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the center. The topping should be bubbling and dark brown.
  9. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
  10. Slice and serve with a sharp knife.

Notes

Don’t skip sautéing the onions—raw onions can make the meatloaf soggy and sharp-tasting. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. If the topping is getting too dark too fast, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; ovens can vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/best-classic-brown-sugar-meatloaf-recipe-easy-and-perfect/