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Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

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A comforting classic meatloaf with a moist, tender texture and a sweet brown sugar ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and moisture)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
  • 1 cup (90 g) fresh breadcrumbs (or panko for lighter texture)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 g) ketchup
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, fresh breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon—do not overwork.
  3. Stir in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, pressing gently to fill the corners, or shape free-form on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
  6. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
  7. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, brush the remaining glaze over the top, and bake for another 15 minutes.
  9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender. Apply glaze in two layers for a sticky, caramelized top. Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly. Let meatloaf rest before slicing for moist, tender slices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, sweet brown sugar ketchup glaze, comfort food, family dinner, easy meatloaf, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/classic-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-sweet-brown-sugar-ketchup-glaze/