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Cozy Dads Sunday Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

cozy dads sunday meatloaf - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze, perfect for cozy Sunday dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Soak the breadcrumbs in whole milk in a large mixing bowl for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Add ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan (8×4 inches) or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press firmly but do not compact too much. Smooth the top if using a loaf pan.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to prepare the glaze.
  6. Spread about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake the meatloaf for 50 minutes.
  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
  9. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or juices run clear when sliced.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Soak breadcrumbs in milk to maintain moisture. Glaze the meatloaf twice during baking for a sticky, caramelized crust. Rest the meatloaf before slicing for cleaner cuts. Sauté onions lightly if you prefer a milder onion flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup glaze, comfort food, family dinner, easy meatloaf, Sunday dinner, ground beef, ground pork