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Kid-Approved Easy Baked Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This easy baked meatloaf with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze is a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare with simple ingredients and delivers a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of milk over 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs soften.
  4. To the breadcrumb mixture, add 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it in gently and evenly. Spread about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spoon or brush the remaining glaze over the top.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For dairy-free, swap milk for unsweetened almond milk or beef broth. If using ground turkey or chicken, add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices. If the glaze burns on edges before the center is cooked, tent with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, kid-friendly, comfort food, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/kid-approved-easy-baked-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/