If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this Classic 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 savory flavors of the meatloaf. This recipe is easy to follow and adaptable, whether you are using beef, turkey, or even a mix. This is deal for family dinners or meal prep, its a classic that everyone at the table will love. So if you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find the process really simple and enjoyable.
About the origin of Meatloaf? Yes! It is the ultimate all-American comfort food, and is topped with a sticky-sweet brown sugar and ketchup glaze that elevates it to Sunday dinner stardom. Meatloaf specialty? Juicy ground beef, savory aromatics, and caramelized crust with brown sugar make this classic and family favorite. About its history? It is known that meatloaf Born from Great Depression frugality and gained glamour in mid-20th-century when sugar-rich glazes top choices. The ketchup glaze is a nod to 1950s diner culture—where sweet-meets-savory ruled. Meatloaf became a Depression-era staple for stretching cheap cuts of meat, but the glaze (a 1950s twist) turned it into a beloved classic! So, Let’s get cooking and create something delicious together!
Ingredients
For Meatloaf
- 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
1. 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. This is especially helpful with lean meats like turkey. Mix everything until just combined and avoid over-mixing as it will turn the meatloaf dense.
2. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Shape the mixture into a loaf and make sure it holds together but not so compact. Now set the shaped meatloaf aside while you prepare the glaze for meatloaf.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and brown sugar. Then spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread it evenly.
4. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. Bake it 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.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and glaze it again (if you like it runny) with brown sugar ketchup glaze and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices of meat.
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, mixing it gently will helps keep it tender.
You can also add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to boost flavor and nutrition with their aromatic juices.
You can also experiment with different glazes, like BBQ sauce mixed with honey or a spicy sriracha glaze for a twist in your taste.
Serving Ideas
If you like classic serving then serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a combination of green beans.
You can also serve it as a snack by taking leftovers as sandwich with toasted sourdough.
Another way is to top it with a fried egg and enjoy as brunch.
FAQs
How to prevent crumbling of meatloaf?
You can add an extra egg for this that will work as glue for meatloaf.
Can I prep ahead?
You can shape and refrigerate raw loaf in baking tray (unbaked) for 24 hours., and baking it fresh will keep bites tender and soft.
Why is my glaze runny?
Brush in layers of glaze, minimum 15 mins before serving., it will make place on warm meatloaf.
Classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
Course: American main dishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings15
minutes55
minutes300
kcalClassic 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.
