Description
Discover a comforting and flavorful Meatloaf with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze that combines tender ground beef and a luscious natural glaze for a perfect family dinner or cozy evening meal. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples and offers versatile options to suit any taste preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 500g ground beef
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/3 cup natural brown sugar
- 1/4 cup natural tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon natural mustard
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika to taste
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley
- Maple syrup (natural) or a splash of grape juice (natural) to replace brown sugar in glaze
- Natural gelling agent as needed for firmer texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, gluten-free breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and plant-based milk. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mix with your hands until just combined to keep the texture tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased loaf pan. Shape into a neat, compact loaf, avoiding overpacking to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, mix natural brown sugar, natural tomato sauce, and natural mustard until smooth to create the sweet and tangy glaze.
- Apply the Glaze: Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf, covering all surfaces to achieve a caramelized crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the meatloaf for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fully cooked and the glaze forms a sticky, golden top. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.
- Using fresh onions and garlic enhances the overall flavor brightness.
- Let the meatloaf rest slightly before slicing to maintain juiciness and shape.
- Adjust the glaze sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: meatloaf, sweet brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, gluten-free meatloaf, family meal