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Savory Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

savory meatloaf brown sugar ketchup glaze - featured image

A quick and easy homemade meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze that caramelizes into a delicious crust, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, panko preferred)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or any dairy/plant-based milk)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic with a splash of oil until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, sautéed onion and garlic, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet. Pat evenly without compressing too hard.
  6. Spread the brown sugar ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, baste with glaze drippings.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice thick and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. Sauté onions and garlic before mixing for added sweetness and depth. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking. If glaze browns too fast, tent with foil. Let meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Ground turkey or chicken can be used with an extra egg or milk for moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup glaze, easy meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner, quick dinner, savory meatloaf