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juicy never-dry meatloaf - featured image

Juicy Never-Dry Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze


  • Author: Miranda
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A tender, moist meatloaf made with 80/20 ground beef and milk-soaked breadcrumbs, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze. This recipe ensures a juicy result every time with a simple 5-step process.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium onion (~150g), finely diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120g) ketchup
  • 1 tsp (5ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Sauté the diced onion in butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion/garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Do not pack tightly. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake covered for 45 minutes.
  7. While meatloaf bakes, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles.
  8. Remove meatloaf from oven and remove foil. Pour warm glaze over the top, spreading evenly.
  9. Return to oven uncovered and bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes is crucial to retain juices. You can make this ahead by assembling the night before and refrigerating. If using leaner meat like turkey or chicken, add extra moisture like milk or mayo.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: meatloaf, juicy meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, dinner recipe, never dry meatloaf, easy dinner