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Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe with Caramelized Onions Made Perfect

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A comforting and easy meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze and deeply caramelized onions mixed into the meat for moistness and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 20-25 minutes until soft and golden brown. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Prepare the meat mixture: Soak 3/4 cup breadcrumbs in 1/3 cup milk for 3-5 minutes until absorbed. In a large bowl, combine soaked breadcrumbs, 1 lb ground beef, cooled caramelized onions, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a 9×5 inch loaf pan or shape freehand on a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup ketchup with 1/4 cup brown sugar until smooth.
  6. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf. Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest the meatloaf before slicing for moist, tender slices. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and olive oil for caramelizing.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, caramelized onions, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef, family meal

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