Brown Sugar Meatloaf
A flavorful meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, combining brown sugar, ketchup, and savory spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 5 x 9 inch loaf pan. Press the brown sugar in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and spread the ketchup over the sugar.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, ground ginger, and crushed saltine cracker crumbs.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the ketchup in the loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the juices run clear.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meatloaf, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have saltine cracker crumbs, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. For extra moisture, you can also add grated carrots or chopped bell peppers. Ensure the meatloaf is not over-mixed to maintain tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Brown Sugar Meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic dinner. Consider serving it with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy it as a sandwich the next day, using thick slices of bread and your favorite condiments for a delicious lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel over them to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Sugar Meatloaf contains roughly 409 calories, with 8g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1406mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef in this recipe. However, it may be slightly drier, so consider adding a bit more milk or chopped vegetables to keep it moist. Adjust the seasoning as needed since turkey has a milder flavor.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
To check if your meatloaf is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when you cut into it. Baking it for the full hour usually ensures it's cooked through.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).