Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Grandma’s Recipe Saved

Oh, meatloaf! Is there anything more comforting? It’s like a warm hug on a plate, know what I mean? Here in Asheville, I’m all about taking those classic Southern comfort foods and giving them a little twist. This Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze? It’s definitely one of my favorites.

Growing up, my grandma, bless her heart, made a mean meatloaf. Simple, but so good. Hers was always a little dry, though (sorry, Grandma!). I tried to figure out how to make it just as homey-feeling, but a little… well, better. This recipe? This is it. It’s got that sweet and savory thing going on that just sings, and the glaze? Wow! It’s what takes it over the top, trust me.

It reminds me of Sunday suppers and cozy evenings. And honestly, a good meatloaf can fix just about anything. So, let’s get cooking, y’all!

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Okay, so why *this* meatloaf? Well, let me tell ya!

• It’s surprisingly quick to get ready. Seriously, most of the time is just baking!
• The ingredients? Super easy to find at any grocery store. No fancy stuff here!
• Even picky eaters will gobble it up. That sweet and savory flavor is a total winner.
• Speaking of flavor… that caramelized glaze? It’s like a candy coating for your meatloaf. So good!

Ingredients for the Best Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need:

• 2 pounds ground beef – I usually go for 80/20, it keeps things nice and juicy!
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – plain ol’ breadcrumbs work great.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – about half a cup, give or take.
• 2 large eggs, beaten – gotta bind it all together!
• 1/2 cup milk – whole milk is my go-to, but whatever you have on hand is fine.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – don’t skip this, it adds a ton of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic, right?
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – light or dark, your call! I like dark for the extra molasses-y flavor.
• 1/4 cup ketchup – adds that classic tang.
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – just a little kick!

How to Make Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, darlin’s, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze that’ll knock your socks off.

Preparing the Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Mixture

First things first, grab that big bowl! Toss in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s the key: mix it all together with your hands (yes, hands!) until just combined. Don’t overmix it! Overmixing makes for a tough meatloaf, and nobody wants that.

Shaping and Baking Your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Alright, time to get your hands dirty again! Gently shape that meat mixture into a loaf. I like to make it nice and even. Now, grease up a loaf pan – a little butter or cooking spray works great – and plop that loaf right in. While you’re at it, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). That’s important! Bake that beauty for about 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer stuck in the center reads 160°F (70°C). Careful, it’s hot!

Making and Applying the Brown Sugar Glaze for Meatloaf

While the meatloaf’s doing its thing in the oven, let’s whip up that glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together your packed brown sugar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. That’s it! Once the meatloaf’s almost done, pull it out of the oven (careful now!) and spread that glaze all over the top. Get it nice and even. Then, pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until that glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Mmm, smells amazing, right?

Resting and Serving Your Delicious Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Patience, my friends, patience! Once that glaze is looking gorgeous, take your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze out of the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, making it extra moist and flavorful. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it! Then, slice it up and serve it with your favorite sides. Get ready for some serious yum!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Want to take your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

• Fresh breadcrumbs make a huge difference. Seriously, skip the store-bought stuff if you can. Just pulse some day-old bread in a food processor.
• For extra moisture (and a sneaky veggie!), add about 1/4 cup of grated zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture. Nobody will even know they’re there!
• Taste that glaze and adjust the brown sugar to your liking! If you like it extra sweet, add a little more.
• Remember what I said about overmixing? Don’t do it! Gently combine those ingredients, and you’ll be golden.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Okay, let’s talk swaps! Don’t have ground beef? No sweat! Ground turkey or pork (or a mix!) works just fine. Breadcrumbs? Panko gives a nice crunch, but regular is great too. Ketchup? If you’re feeling fancy, try chili sauce for a little extra zing! Just have fun with it and use what you’ve got. This Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is pretty forgiving!

Serving Suggestions for Your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Okay, you’ve got this amazing Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze… what do you serve with it? Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason, right? But green beans are always a good choice! Roasted veggies? Yes, please! And a simple side salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Honestly, whatever makes you happy! It’s your dinner, darlin’!

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Got questions about this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze? I bet you do! Here are a few answers to the questions I get asked the most:

Can I freeze meatloaf? You betcha! Let it cool completely, wrap it up tight (I like to use plastic wrap and foil), and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

How long does meatloaf last in the fridge? Leftover Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze will last for 3-4 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. Perfect for sandwiches!

What’s the best internal temperature for meatloaf? You want to cook your meatloaf to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Check out these food safety guidelines for more information on safe cooking temperatures.

Can I make this easy meatloaf brown sugar glaze recipe in a slow cooker? I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard it works! You’ll want to cook it on low for about 6-8 hours. The glaze might not get as caramelized, though.

Storing and Reheating Your Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store that Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave (easy-peasy!) or warm it up in the oven until it’s heated through. Still just as delicious!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional info is just an estimate, okay? But roughly, one slice of this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze clocks in around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat and 25g of protein. Good stuff!

Ready to Try this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Alright, y’all, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip up this Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze! And hey, if you try it, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! And if you’re ever in Asheville, come on by! I’d love to have you at my supper club or in one of my cooking classes. Let’s get cooking!

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