This incredibly simple Brown Sugar Meatloaf comes together in about 10 minutes of prep and around an hour in the oven for a cozy weeknight dinner that your family will love! It’s all made in a loaf pan (that means minimal cleanup!) and is totally customizable, feel free to switch up the ingredients to fit what you have on hand. You can even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal for those odds and ends you’ve been meaning to use up. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to make everyone at your table smile!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Brown Sugar Meatloaf
- Cooking Spray
- 0.5 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
- 0.5 Cup Ketchup
- 1.5 Pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Small Onion, Chopped
- 0.75 Cup Milk
- 0.75 Cup Finely Crushed Saltine Cracker Crumbs
- 1.5 Teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 0.25 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Brown Sugar Meatloaf
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. This step is super important, so make sure not to skip it!
Press the brown sugar into the bottom of the pan, then smear ketchup over the brown sugar. This creates a lovely glaze that caramelizes while baking, and I promise, the aroma will be out of this world!
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix until well combined, don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands! It’s a slightly messy job but so worth it.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the ketchup and brown sugar mixture. Just shape it up with your hands; it doesn’t have to be perfect!
Bake for about 1 hour or until juices run clear. Keep an eye on it towards the end, and enjoy the fantastic smells wafting through your kitchen.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting, but this step really helps the juices redistribute… and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something simple yet incredibly satisfying. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for comfort food that reminds me of my childhood, and this brown sugar meatloaf does just that! The best part is, it’s super versatile, so you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Sometimes I even add some shredded veggies for extra nutrition, get creative and make it your own!
If you loved this meatloaf, be sure to check out my Cheesy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, my Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, or my Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin! Trust me, you’ll find tons more favorite meals in the lineup!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meatloaf recipe comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time! Toss all your ingredients together, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got an amazing dinner ready for your family. It’s a lifesaver for those busy weeknights!
One Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! Since everything is made in one loaf pan, you get all the flavor without spending forever scrubbing pots and pans. Win-win!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is extremely customizable! You can easily switch up the seasonings or add some of your family’s favorite veggies right into the mix.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a cozy, warm hug on a plate! Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers, too, perfect for lunch the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious meatloaf with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this meatloaf. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
And there you have it! Your Brown Sugar Meatloaf is now a staple in your recipe arsenal! It’s a total crowd-pleaser that will put smiles on faces at your dinner table time and time again. Happy cooking! Hope you love it as much as I do! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Brown Sugar Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Press the brown sugar into the bottom of the pan, then smear ketchup over the brown sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the ketchup and brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until juices run clear.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.