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Easy Glazed Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Ketchup Topping

Easy glazed meatloaf - featured image
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A quick and easy meatloaf recipe that delivers caramelized edges and a sticky, sweet-tangy glaze in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ¾ cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (75g) finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (Heinz recommended)
  • ⅓ cup (65g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. (Optional) In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté ½ cup finely diced onion in a drizzle of oil for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds more. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds ground beef, ¾ cup breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup milk, 1 large egg, the sautéed onion and garlic (or raw), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape into a free-form loaf about 8-9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. Do not pack too tightly.
  6. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and spoon or brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing.
  11. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For a lower-sugar option, use sugar-free ketchup and a brown sugar substitute, though caramelization will be less. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes is crucial for juiciness. Double the glaze for extra to serve on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, glazed meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup, quick meatloaf, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-glazed-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-ketchup-topping/