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Best Baked Cheesy Meatloaf with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

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This cheesy meatloaf features a surprise layer of melted cheese inside and a sweet-tangy brown sugar glaze. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for cheese layer)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or prepare a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  5. Stir in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  6. Add ground beef and shredded cheddar. Use your hands to gently combine until no streaks of raw meat remain (about 30 seconds).
  7. Assemble the meatloaf: Press half of the meat mixture into the loaf pan. If using, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over this layer, leaving a small border. Top with remaining meat mixture and press gently to seal.
  8. Spoon about half of the glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes (total bake time 55-60 minutes).
  10. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F.
  11. Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve with extra glaze if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure 160°F internal temperature. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If glaze gets too dark, tent with foil. For free-form loaf, shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, baked meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/best-baked-cheesy-meatloaf-with-easy-brown-sugar-glaze/