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The Best Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe in 50 Minutes

brown sugar glazed meatloaf - featured image

A savory-sweet meatloaf with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that locks in juices. Ready in 50 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ยฝ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1ยฝ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ยฝ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Optional: Sautรฉ diced onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Let cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
  5. Add breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir until breadcrumbs are fully moistened. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Crumble ground beef into the bowl and add diced onion. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even shape. Do not pack tightly.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven. Spoon off excess liquid, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the top and sides.
  10. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  11. Remove and apply another coat of glaze. Bake for 5 more minutes.
  12. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160ยฐF (71ยฐC). If not, bake 5 more minutes and check again.
  13. Remove from oven, brush on remaining glaze, and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  14. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best moisture. Do not skip the rest time after baking. Layer the glaze in stages for a thick, caramelized crust. Line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed meatloaf, easy meatloaf, weeknight dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe