Mmm — a Southern-style meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is pure comfort food! 🍖✨
It’s tender, juicy, a little sweet on top, and absolutely packed with flavor — the kind of Sunday supper classic that never goes out of style.
Here’s the perfect version 👇
🍽️ Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
🥩 For the meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional but adds flavor)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional but classic in the South)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
🍯 For the brown sugar glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- Optional: ½ tsp mustard (for a little tang)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- To 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick spray, or use a loaf pan.
2. Make the glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- Set aside — half will go inside, half on top.
3. Prepare the meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, pork, eggs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire, ketchup, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Form into a loaf shape (about 8×4 inches) on the baking sheet.
4. Add the glaze
- Brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the loaf.
5. Bake
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and return for another 15–20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (70°C) and the glaze is caramelized and glossy.
6. Rest and serve
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
🍴 Serving Ideas
- Classic sides: mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or mac & cheese
- Slice leftovers for sandwiches with a drizzle of extra glaze or BBQ sauce 😋
💡 Tips
- For a spicier version, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne to the glaze.
- Using a mix of beef and pork keeps the loaf moist and flavorful.
- Want extra caramelization? Broil the top for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Would you like me to give you a slow cooker version of this Southern meatloaf next? It turns out incredibly tender and still has that brown sugar glaze on top.
