Description
This brown sugar meatloaf is a classic, comforting dish known for its sweet and tangy glaze and juicy, flavorful interior. Made with lean ground beef, a blend of seasonings, and topped with a delicious brown sugar and ketchup crust, it's an easy recipe that serves up satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Glaze
- Cooking spray
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
For the Meatloaf
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9-inch loaf pan using cooking spray to ensure the meatloaf doesn't stick during baking.
- Create the Glaze Layer: Press the brown sugar evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spread the ketchup smoothly over the brown sugar to form a flavorful glaze layer that will caramelize while baking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed saltine cracker crumbs, salt, black pepper, and ground ginger. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to ensure an even texture and flavor throughout.
- Shape and Assemble: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and carefully place it on top of the brown sugar and ketchup glaze in the loaf pan, pressing gently to maintain the shape and ensure contact with the glaze.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf’s internal juices run clear and it reaches a safe internal temperature, usually around 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist, tender slice every time.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef keeps the meatloaf lower in fat but still flavorful.
- Crushed saltine crackers add a nice texture and help bind the meatloaf.
- The brown sugar and ketchup glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a deliciously sweet crust.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to prevent it from falling apart when sliced.
