Name: Brown Sugar Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1 cup milk; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground mustard; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Meatloaf has long stood as a staple of American comfort food, beloved for its hearty flavor and familial charm. By adding brown sugar to the traditional recipe, you can introduce a delightful sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, creating a crust that is simply irresistible. This blog post will walk you through a brown sugar meatloaf recipe that balances sweetness and savoriness, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this delicious brown sugar meatloaf, you'll need a combination of classic and unique ingredients. Here’s what to gather:

Ground Beef: 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef for the best texture.
Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, to help bind the meatloaf together.
Milk: ¾ cup, which moistens the bread crumbs and keeps the meatloaf tender.
Eggs: 2 large, acting as the binding agent.
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped, for a hint of sharpness.
Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, which will be used in the glaze and mixed into the meat.
Ketchup: ¾ cup for the glaze, adding a tangy tomato flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon, enhancing the meaty flavor with its rich, umami depth.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, and eggs. Mix these together with your hands until well combined. Add the finely chopped onion, a pinch of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper.
Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it in firmly and shape it into a loaf.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread half of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf before baking. Reserve the rest for later.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Add Remaining Glaze: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully drain any excess fat. Spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Slice and serve warm.

Conclusion

This brown sugar meatloaf recipe brings a sweet twist to the traditional savory dish, offering a caramelized glaze that enhances the flavor and appeal of the meatloaf. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers a comforting and satisfying meal, ideal for any day of the week. Serve this delicious meatloaf with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic, comforting meal that your whole family will love. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory in each bite, and let this dish remind you why meatloaf has remained a beloved classic through the generations.