Print

Classic Southern Meatloaf with Best Brown Sugar Glaze

classic southern meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic Southern meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, juicy, and topped with a sticky sweet-tangy crust. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 ground chuck)
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup whole milk. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft and pasty.
  3. Mix the meatloaf base: To the breadcrumb mixture, add 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until it forms a thick, uniform paste. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic and stir again.
  4. Add the meat: Add 2 lbs ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together just until combined and no streaks of raw meat remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape and prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan and gently press into an even loaf shape. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet.
  6. First glaze application: Brush about half of the brown sugar glaze generously over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Bake the meatloaf: Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, brush on the remaining glaze, and return to oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the meatloaf out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest another 5 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, let eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing. Do not overmix the meat. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy. The glaze can be doubled for extra sticky crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, southern meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/classic-southern-meatloaf-with-best-brown-sugar-glaze/