- Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets that perfect crust.
- Mix the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory meatloaf.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, chopped onion, green bell pepper, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. It’s best to use your hands for mixing to ensure everything is well combined.
- Shape and Glaze:
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it to fit. Then, spread half of the glaze evenly over the top. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. This step ensures the glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding depth to the flavor.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meatloaf is moist and flavorful.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your brown sugar meatloaf with sides of your choice. Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad work wonderfully.
Tips for Perfection:
- Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is crucial for a juicy result.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to tweak the glaze ingredients to suit your taste. Adding a bit of hot sauce or mustard can introduce new flavors.
- Check Internal Temperature: For perfectly cooked meatloaf, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your brown sugar meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
This Brown Sugar Meatloaf recipe is more than just food; it’s a journey through flavors and textures that promises to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Each bite is a blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will make this dish a requested favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful experience this meatloaf brings to your table!