Print

Best Kid-Approved Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe (Easy!)

brown sugar glazed meatloaf - featured image
Print Recipe

This brown sugar glazed meatloaf is a family-friendly dinner that turns simple ingredients into a sticky, sweet-savory crust with a tender, juicy interior. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an emergency hero that kids and adults alike devour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature, lightly beaten)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely diced, about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Cook diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  4. Mix the meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Shape and glaze: Transfer meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press gently into an even shape, leaving a slight depression down the center. Pour about half the glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  6. Bake: Place loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, pour remaining glaze over the top, and return to oven for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. Check doneness: Meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking—it helps slices hold together. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. The glaze can be adjusted: add more brown sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, kid-friendly meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/best-kid-approved-brown-sugar-glazed-meatloaf-recipe-easy/