This meatloaf is a fun twist with a sweet brown sugar ketchup glaze. It’s super easy to make and makes the kitchen smell incredible!
Who knew meatloaf could be this exciting? My family goes wild for the sticky glaze. I love serving it with mashed potatoes—it’s a cozy dinner that feels like a hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for a mix of beef, pork, and veal for added flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken works too, just keep an eye on cooking time.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can also use panko for a lighter texture. Crushed crackers or oats are excellent gluten-free alternatives.
Onion & Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic enhance the flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can serve as quick substitutes, but use less than the fresh amounts.
Brown Sugar: This gives the glaze its sweetness. You can substitute honey, coconut sugar, or maple syrup if you want a different flavor profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a nice tang, but if you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice will work fine. Just adjust to taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Glaze on Your Meatloaf?
Applying that glaze is key to getting a sticky, flavorful top! Follow these simple tips:
- Mix your glaze ingredients well so everything is evenly combined.
- Spread half the glaze before baking—this allows it to caramelize into the meatloaf.
- Add the second half of the glaze near the end of baking for that fresh, glossy finish.
Remember, letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, making each slice delicious and moist!
Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Glazing Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for baking. You’ll want to let it rest for about 10 minutes afterward before slicing. So, in total, plan for around 1 hour and 25 minutes from prep to plate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help your meatloaf slide right out when it’s done!
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Get your hands in there or use a spoon to mix everything gently but thoroughly—this will ensure each bite is packed with flavor!
3. Shape Your Loaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently to form an even loaf shape, making sure the top is as flat as possible.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze that will elevate your meatloaf!
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf and place it in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 45 minutes. After that, pull it out and spread the remaining glaze on top for a tasty finish.
6. Final Bake:
Put the meatloaf back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized at this point—just the way you want it!
7. Rest and Slice:
Once it’s done, pull the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice stays moist and flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and serve your glorious meatloaf with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables pair perfectly!
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Brown Sugar Ketchup Glazed Meatloaf with its sticky, sweet topping and tender, savory interior!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding a bit more milk or moisture-rich ingredients like grated zucchini to compensate.
Can I Prepare the Meatloaf in Advance?
You can definitely prepare the meat mixture ahead of time! Assemble it in the loaf pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it cold straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a simple side salad. For a fun twist, try serving it in a sandwich with your favorite condiments for a tasty lunch option!
