Classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. A comforting and flavorful family favorite.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:75 minutes
Total Time:100 minutes
Yield:8-10 servings 1x
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
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.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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.
Add the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
Shape Meatloaf: Gently transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into an even loaf.
Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
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.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
Apply Second Layer of Glaze: After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining brown sugar glaze over the top.
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).
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.