Description
Brown Sugar Meatloaf is a classic comfort dish combining sweet and savory flavors with a tender, juicy interior and caramelized brown sugar glaze. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup ketchup
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
2 large eggs
1 small onion, chopped
¾ cup milk
¾ cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan.
2. Press brown sugar into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and spread ketchup evenly on top.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed saltine crackers, salt, black pepper, and ginger.
4. Mix ingredients gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
5. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the brown sugar and ketchup layer in the pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the center reaches 160°F and the juices run clear.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
8. Slice into 8 portions and serve with preferred sides.
Notes
Use lean ground beef with 85% meat content for best texture.
Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense loaf.
Press the brown sugar firmly to create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American