Print

Easy Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe

brown sugar meatloaf - featured image

This Easy Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze is a sweet and savory twist on a classic comfort food. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard if using. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and become a paste (panade).
  4. Add the remaining meatloaf ingredients: ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/3 cup brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it in gently, ensuring no air pockets. Shape the top slightly rounded.
  6. Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip the panade (breadcrumb and milk mixture) as it keeps the meatloaf moist. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, ketchup glaze, easy meatloaf, weeknight dinner, comfort food