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The Best Classic Glazed Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Ketchup

classic glazed meatloaf - featured image

This classic glazed meatloaf is tender and juicy, with a sweet-tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible crust. It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ pound (225g) ground pork
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Whisk over medium heat until simmering, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and darkened. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang. Lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Add breadcrumbs and stir. Let sit 2-3 minutes. Add sautéed onion and garlic, and parsley if using.
  5. Add ground beef and ground pork. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer meat mixture to prepared loaf pan. Press gently into an even shape without packing. Spread half of the glaze over the top.
  7. Place loaf pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, and bake for another 15-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Let meatloaf rest in pan for 10 minutes. Use foil overhang to lift out. Transfer to cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatloaf. Let the glaze simmer to caramelize the sugar for a better crust. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness at 160°F (71°C). Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, glazed meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup meatloaf, classic meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner