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Cozy Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe for Perfect Sticky Sweet Glaze

brown sugar glazed meatloaf - featured image

A comforting meatloaf with a sticky sweet brown sugar glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • ½ cup (120g) small-curd cottage cheese (adds moisture and tenderness)
  • 1 cup (90g) finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (75g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk (whole milk or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and Dijon mustard (if using). Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and glaze is smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cottage cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
  4. Gently fold the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula or wet hands.
  6. Brush about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze on top.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender. Apply the glaze in two stages to create a sticky sweet crust without burning. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, sticky sweet glaze, cozy dinner, ground beef meatloaf