Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Southern Meatloaf topped with a Brown Sugar Glaze—a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The tender meatloaf made from a blend of beef and pork is seasoned with savory ingredients like garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika, giving it a rich depth of flavor. The brown sugar glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang, creating a comforting contrast to the savory meat.

If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to make yet feels like a warm hug in food form, look no further. This Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is everything you want in a classic comfort meal.

1. Why Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze Is So Irresistible

What makes this meatloaf so special is the combination of its savory, tender texture and the rich sweetness of the brown sugar glaze. The meatloaf itself is perfectly seasoned, with just the right balance of ingredients to make every bite deliciously flavorful. The addition of green bell pepper and onion adds a bit of crunch and freshness, while the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup contribute that signature umami flavor.

The Brown Sugar Glaze is the game-changer—it’s sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky, with just a hint of mustard (if you choose to include it). When baked to perfection, it caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, creating a beautiful, sticky glaze that takes this dish to the next level.

2. Key Ingredients for Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

This classic Southern dish uses simple ingredients, but the combination of flavors makes it truly outstanding. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): The combination of beef and pork gives the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and moisture.

1 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf and give it a tender texture.

1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatloaf.

½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds crunch and flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced: For savory aromatic flavor.

2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the meatloaf.

¾ cup milk: Adds moisture to the meat mixture.

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth to the flavor.

1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds sweetness and richness to the meatloaf.

1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.

½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance.

½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the meatloaf.

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

½ cup ketchup: The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and tang.

¼ cup brown sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the glaze.

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives the glaze a slight tang and helps balance the sweetness.

1 teaspoon mustard (optional): Adds a bit of tang and depth to the glaze, especially if you like a little zing.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Making this Southern Meatloaf is easy, and the results are worth every minute. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape and Place the Meatloaf in the Pan

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Smooth the top and sides to make sure it’s evenly shaped.

Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard (if using). This will be the glaze that goes on top of your meatloaf.

Step 5: Apply the First Layer of Glaze

Spread half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, making sure to coat it well.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the meatloaf is fully cooked through. The glaze should be caramelized and sticky.

Step 8: Let the Meatloaf Rest

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

4. Tips for Perfect Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough.

Use Lean Ground Beef: You can use a combination of beef and pork, but make sure to use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.

Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (70°C).

Let the Meatloaf Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart and to retain moisture.

5. Why You’ll Love Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Tender and Juicy: The combination of beef, pork, and the right amount of seasoning creates a juicy, tender meatloaf.

Sweet and Savory Glaze: The brown sugar glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite irresistible.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings and glaze to your preference, making it your own.

6. How to Serve Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone entrée, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for meatloaf, soaking up the savory gravy.

Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich meatloaf.

Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered noodles make a great side dish to round out this meal.

Cornbread: A slice of warm, fluffy cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to this Southern comfort food.

7. Storing and Reheating Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat the meatloaf:

Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice and heat in the microwave or oven.

Freezing: Meatloaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

8. A Timeless Family Favorite

Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether it’s for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, it’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. The perfect balance of savory meatloaf, sweet glaze, and comforting sides make it a meal that everyone will enjoy. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your family’s recipe collection for years to come.

9. Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal for Every Occasion

Southern Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender meatloaf paired with the rich, caramelized glaze makes it a standout dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every bite of this Southern classic!

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