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Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. A comforting and flavorful family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly softened. Let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooled sautéed vegetables and the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined.
  5. Add the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
  8. Shape Meatloaf: Gently transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into an even loaf.
  9. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  10. Apply First Layer of Glaze: Spread about half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  11. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
  12. Apply Second Layer of Glaze: After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining brown sugar glaze over the top.
  13. Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  14. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain moisture.
  • Customize the glaze to your taste.
  • You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.