Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze is a perfect choice. The combination of brown sugar and ketchup creates a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf. This recipe is easy to follow and adaptable, whether you are using beef, turkey, or even a mix. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a classic that everyone at the table will love. This comforting and crowd-pleasing meatloaf features a delicious blend of ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and a savory ketchup glaze sweetened with brown sugar. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe yields a tender and flavorful meatloaf that pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Our Detailed Recipe Guide!

This includes a step-by-step tutorial with cooking images for every stage to make brown sugar meatloaf with ketchup glaze, easy for you to follow along. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find the process simple and enjoyable. Don’t forget to scroll down for the recipe card at the end of the post. The recipe card provides all the ingredients, queries of confusion, and tips in one place for easy reference.

Let’s get cooking and create something delicious together!

The Ingredients You Need For This Recipe

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra moisture)

For Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

First prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
-In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
-Add milk if you want extra moisture, especially helpful with lean meats like turkey. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing as it can make the meatloaf dense.

Shape the Meatloaf
-Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the mixture into a loaf, making sure it holds together but isn’t too compact. Set the shaped meatloaf aside while you prepare the glaze.

Make the Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze
-In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar (if using) until smooth.
-Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Meatloaf
-Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. If using ground turkey, bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking.
-About 10–15 minutes before it is done, brush the remaining glaze on top of the meatloaf for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy
-Remove the meatloaf from the oven and glaze it again with brown sugar ketchup glaze and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices.

-Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Whether served with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite veggies, this meatloaf is versatile and adaptable. Simple to make and even better as leftovers, it’s a recipe worth saving for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
– Don’t over-mix the meat; gentle mixing helps keep it tender.
– Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost flavor and nutrition.
– Experiment with different glazes, like BBQ sauce mixed with honey or a spicy sriracha glaze for a twist.

Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Course: American main dishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

55

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze: This comforting and crowd-pleasing meatloaf features a delicious blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a savory ketchup glaze sweetened with brown sugar. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe yields a tender and flavorful meatloaf that pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• Meatloaf ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for extra moisture)

• For Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

• Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
  -In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  -Add milk if you want extra moisture, especially helpful with lean meats like turkey. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing as it can make the meatloaf dense.
• Shape the Meatloaf
  -Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the mixture into a loaf, making sure it holds together but isn’t too compact. Set the shaped meatloaf aside while you prepare the glaze.
• Make the Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze
  -In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar (if using) until smooth.
  -Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
• Bake the Meatloaf
  -Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. If using ground turkey, bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking.
  -About 10–15 minutes before it is done, brush the remaining glaze on top of the meatloaf for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve and Enjoy
  -Remove the meatloaf from the oven and glaze it again with brown sugar ketchup glaze, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices.
  -Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
  Whether served with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite veggies, this meatloaf is versatile and adaptable. Simple to make and even better as leftovers, it’s a recipe worth saving for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!
• Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
  – Don’t over-mix the meat; gentle mixing helps keep it tender.
  – Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost flavor and nutrition.
  – Experiment with different glazes, like BBQ sauce mixed with honey or a spicy sriracha glaze for a twist.
  

Notes

• 1. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
  Yes! You can substitute oats or crushed crackers if you are out of breadcrumbs or prefer a different texture.
• 2. What is a good substitute for ketchup in the glaze?
  Try tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and honey or use barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
• 3. How do I store leftover meatloaf?
  Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• 4. How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
  Just take gluten-free breadcrumbs or have crushed gluten-free crackers for your meatloaf.
• 5. What sides go well with brown sugar meatloaf?
  This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.