Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Ketchup Glaze

The classic Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Ketchup Glaze is a comforting and nostalgic dish that has been a staple of American home cooking for generations.

Juicy, tender ground beef seasoned with herbs, breadcrumbs, and onions is baked to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar and ketchup. The result is a satisfying balance of savory richness and caramelized sweetness in every slice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and always satisfying. The combination of juicy meat and that shiny, sticky brown sugar-ketchup glaze is simply irresistible.

Every bite brings warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of family dinners and cozy evenings. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday suppers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something deeply flavorful and comforting. The brown sugar glaze adds a beautiful caramelized sweetness that balances the savory meat perfectly.

Plus, it’s easy to customize — you can add vegetables, spices, or even different meats. Once you’ve made this recipe, you’ll never look at meatloaf the same way again.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings

6

Calories

380 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best texture)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)

For the Brown Sugar–Ketchup Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or baking sheet lined with parchment.
4. Stir together the glaze ingredients and spread half over the top.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, brush with remaining glaze, and bake another 15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
• Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan.
• Shape into a firm loaf, smoothing the top slightly with your hands.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
• Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

• Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze, and return to bake for another 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.

How to Serve

• Serve thick slices of meatloaf warm, topped with extra glaze if desired.
• It pairs wonderfully with:
  • Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
  • Green beans or steamed broccoli
  • Corn on the cob
  • Dinner rolls or garlic bread

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat — it will make the loaf tough.
• Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest texture.
• Add a bit of grated carrot or bell pepper for extra moisture and nutrition.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (160°F internal).
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing — it’s crucial for tenderness.

Recipe Variations

1. BBQ Meatloaf: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky glaze.
2. Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture.
3. Italian Meatloaf: Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and use marinara instead of ketchup.
4. Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey for a lighter version; reduce baking time slightly.
5. Spicy Meatloaf: Add 1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Cooked): Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Freezing (Uncooked): Shape the loaf, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings.

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

Conclusion

The Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Ketchup Glaze is a timeless, heartwarming dish that brings the essence of home-cooked comfort to your table. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and satisfying — everything a perfect dinner should be. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy meal for two, this meatloaf is sure to impress with its rich flavor and nostalgic charm. Serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for the ultimate comfort meal that never goes out of style.