Brown Sugar Meatloaf 🍖🍯 is a classic comfort food twist on regular meatloaf. The brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelization to the savory beef, giving it a slightly sticky, flavorful glaze on top.
Flavor Profile
- Savory: ground beef (sometimes mixed with pork or turkey)
- Sweet & tangy glaze: brown sugar, ketchup, or BBQ sauce
- Moist & hearty: eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk keep it tender
- Optional extras: onions, garlic, bell peppers, or Worcestershire sauce
Brown Sugar Meatloaf Recipe (serves 6–8)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional for tang)
Steps
- Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C)
- Mix meatloaf: In a bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently.
- Shape: Form into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
- Add glaze: Mix brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake: 55–65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest: Let meatloaf sit 5–10 minutes before slicing so it holds together.
Tips & Variations
- Extra moist: Add finely grated carrot or zucchini to the meat mixture.
- Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
- Topping twist: Add a layer of crispy bacon on top before baking.
- Make ahead: Meatloaf can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, then baked the next day.
This meatloaf is sweet, savory, and has a sticky caramelized top that makes it a family favorite.
I can also give a slow-cooker version where it stays extra juicy and the brown sugar glaze seeps into the meat.
Do you want me to do that?
