Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a warm hug from my childhood. My mom would whip up her famous meatloaf every Sunday, filling the house with that irresistible aroma that had us all gathered around the dining table faster than you could say “pass the ketchup.” The brown sugar glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and caramelization, making every bite a little moment of joy.
For me, making meatloaf is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories. I love to experiment with different ingredients, and this version of meatloaf with a sweet glaze is always a crowd-pleaser during family gatherings and potluck dinners. You could say it’s the superstar of the weeknight dinner lineup at my house!
What’s in Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Ground Beef: This is the superstar of our meatloaf. I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option!
Breadcrumbs: These little guys help bind everything together. I prefer using seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you can simply pulse some old bread in the food processor.
Egg: An essential binding agent that holds our meatloaf together and keeps it nice and moist.
Onion: Chopped finely to add a ton of flavor; onion sautéed beforehand really amps up the taste. Use yellow or white onions for the best results.
Milk: It adds richness to the mixture, making sure the meatloaf stays tender and delicious.
Ketchup: This classic condiment adds sweetness and tanginess, plus adds depth to the brown sugar glaze.
Brown Sugar: Our secret weapon! This sweetener gives the glaze its beautiful caramel-like flavor and an enticing shine.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this savory sauce gives the meatloaf a wonderful depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy! Adjust to your taste.
Is Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Good for You?
Now, while this meatloaf is downright delicious, it’s important to consider its place in a balanced diet.
Ground Beef: Full of protein, iron, and B vitamins, but watch out for saturated fat. Leaner cuts are your best bet.
Breadcrumbs: They do add some carbs, but using whole-grain breadcrumbs can elevate the fiber content.
Brown Sugar: While it adds that sweet taste we love, sugar in general should be limited in our diets, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.
But remember, everything is good in moderation, so enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves: 6-8*
How to Make Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, 1/2 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently – you want it well combined but not overworked!
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ketchup and brown sugar. Smother this sweet glaze over the top of your meatloaf for that beautiful caramel finish.
5. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the glaze is bubbly.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices inside.
Cooking Secrets & Serving Suggestions with a Twist
– For a flavor booster, try adding some minced garlic or chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture.
– Want to turn this meatloaf into the ultimate comfort food? Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans, drizzled with that lovely glaze on top.
– Leftover meatloaf? Slice it up for hearty sandwiches the next day!
– You can also freeze individual slices for a quick meal later; just reheat and enjoy.
With all its comforting flavors and that sticky glaze, Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is sure to brighten your day! I can’t wait for you to try it. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be begging for seconds. If you give it a shot, please let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
