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Cozy Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and easy meatloaf recipe featuring a sweet brown sugar glaze and crispy bacon topping, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (65 grams)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (90 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until just crisp but still pliable, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  3. Prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing evenly but not packing tightly.
  6. Spread half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Lay the bacon strips over the glaze, slightly overlapping to cover the top.
  8. Brush the remaining glaze over the bacon.
  9. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if bacon browns too quickly.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Partially cooking the bacon before baking helps it crisp without drying out. Apply the glaze in two layers for a sticky, shiny finish. Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs; for dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, crispy bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/cozy-brown-sugar-glazed-meatloaf-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-perfect/