This Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf is the dinner I make when I want something warm, familiar, and completely fuss free. It is tender ground beef wrapped around simple pantry seasonings and finished with a sticky sweet glaze that caramelizes right on top. The glaze alone is worth making this recipe for.
9x5 inch loaf pan or a rimmed baking sheet for a free form loaf
Large mixing bowl for combining the meat mixture
Instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness
Wire cooling rack for resting the loaf
Silicone basting brush for applying the glaze
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
2poundsground beef85% lean, 907g
1cuppanko bread crumbsabout 60g
1mediumyellow onionfinely diced, about 1 cup or 150g
2largeeggslightly beaten
1/2cupwhole milk120ml
2tablespoonsWorcestershire sauce30ml
1tablespoonDijon mustard15ml
1teaspoongarlic powder3g
1teaspoonsmoked paprika2g
1teaspoonkosher salt6g
1/2teaspoonblack pepper1g
For the Brown Sugar Glaze
3/4cupketchup180ml
1/3cuplight brown sugarpacked, 73g
1tablespoonapple cider vinegar15ml
1/2teaspoongarlic powder1.5g
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang, and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko, onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined.
Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press gently to fill evenly. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Bake uncovered on the center rack for 40 minutes before adding any glaze.
Remove from oven and brush about half the glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake another 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift out using foil overhang, slice, and spoon reserved glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
Use 85% lean ground beef so the loaf stays moist without turning greasy.
Mix the meat gently and stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the texture tender.
Always check doneness with a meat thermometer instead of guessing; it should read 160°F at the thickest part.
Double the glaze recipe if you love extra sauce on your plate.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds its shape.
Line the pan with foil for the easiest cleanup possible.
Make ahead: mix and shape the meatloaf up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from cold, adding a few extra minutes.
Substitutions: ground turkey works in place of beef; regular bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or quick oats can replace panko.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil, or microwave a slice with a splash of broth to keep it moist.