Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Onion Glaze

This Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Onion Glaze is a delicious, comforting classic that combines juicy ground beef with a sweet and savory glaze. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this homemade meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Brown Sugar Glaze

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or a little oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, eggs, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it evenly and gently press the top to create a smooth surface.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and brown sugar until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and makes the slices easier to serve.

Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right beef: Ground beef with around 80–85% lean meat helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combining the ingredients helps create a tender texture.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Customize the flavor: Add a little smoked paprika or onion powder for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Cook thoroughly before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.

You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Cooking Method: Baking