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Best One-Bowl Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

one bowl meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This simple, honest meatloaf comes together in one bowl with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, delivering juicy, tender slices every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • ยฝ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ยผ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยฝ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • ยฝ cup ketchup
  • โ…“ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together ยฝ cup ketchup, โ…“ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. In your large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and ยฝ cup milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk.
  4. To the bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs, add 1 medium finely diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ยผ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, ยฝ teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Stir until combined.
  5. Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl and gently mix them into the breadcrumb mixture. Then add 2 pounds of ground beef. Use your hands to gently combine everything. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Gently press it into an even shape, making sure there are no air pockets.
  7. Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon or a pastry brush. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  8. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45 minutes at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  9. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  10. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160ยฐF (71ยฐC) in the center.
  11. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
  12. Use the parchment overhang to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat. Use your hands to mix gently. Grate the onion instead of dicing for better texture. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, one-bowl, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef