This delicious Brown Sugar Meatloaf comes together in about 60 minutes and is baked in a simple loaf pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love!

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Meatloaf

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this easy meatloaf! Here’s the full list of ingredients:

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

Ingredient Details:

Ground Beef: You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, granulated sugar will do in a pinch, but you’ll miss that caramel-like depth.
Ketchup: Some folks like to use barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile!
Saltine Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have these, breadcrumbs are a fine alternative.
Onion: Feel free to use shallots or even leeks for more flavor complexity.

How to Make This Mouthwatering Meatloaf

Alright, let’s not waste any more time, here’s how to whip up this comfort food classic!

Prepare Your Pan: First things first, gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. This is a great time to get the kitchen smelling warm and inviting.
Brown Sugar Base: Next up, press the brown sugar into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan. You want it to form a nice little layer, trust me, it melts into a sweet crust that is SO good! Smear the ketchup over the top of the brown sugar; this keeps the meatloaf nice and moist!
Mix It Up: Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all the remaining ingredients, ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix it all together with your hands or a big wooden spoon. Get in there, mixing until it’s all well integrated. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is uniformly combined.
Shape the Loaf: Now shape that meat mixture into a loaf. The texture should be slightly sticky but still hold together nicely. Place your molded meatloaf right on top of the ketchup and brown sugar mix, you’re gonna love this!
Bake It Up: Slide that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour, or until the juices are clear. You’ll want to enjoy those delicious smells wafting through your kitchen!
Let It Rest: Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes. This is crucial for sliceability, nobody wants a crumbly disaster, right?

I remember the first time I made this for a group of friends. Everyone was blown away by how delicious it was! They thought it was a family recipe passed down through generations, but nope, just my trusty new recipe that blew their socks off!

If you loved this Brown Sugar Meatloaf, then be sure to check out my Korean BBQ Meatloaf, my Turkey Meatloaf, or my Meatloaf Muffins! Each dish is filled with delightful flavors that complement this meatloaf beautifully.

What to Serve With This Brown Sugar Meatloaf

Let’s talk about sides! This meatloaf pairs beautifully with:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery goodness is always a winner.
Green Beans: A dash of salt and maybe some garlic make them irresistible.
Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly, a perfect companion.
Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness nicely.

Storing & Reheating

Storage: Leftover meatloaf keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Reheating: Best way is to pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, no one likes dried-out meatloaf!
Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This meatloaf recipe comes together in 60 minutes, making it a great option when you’re short on time.

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and staples from your pantry, this meal won’t break the bank! You can also adjust the recipe according to sales at the grocery store.

Crowd-Pleaser

The whole family will love it, guaranteed! Kids and adults alike will appreciate the comforting flavors and the nostalgic vibe this dish brings.

Customizable

The secret to a delicious meatloaf is how adaptable it is! You can toss in different spices, or swap proteins, and it will still turn out amazing!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can whip it up on a Sunday and have delicious leftovers ready for the week ahead. Or even bake it ahead of time and reheat!

So there you have it! A delicious, easy brown sugar meatloaf that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you give it a try, and please let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Easy Brown Sugar Meatloaf

Author: amelia
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious Brown Sugar Meatloaf that comes together in about 60 minutes, perfect for a comforting and filling weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Press the brown sugar into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and smear ketchup over the top.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix well.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the ketchup and brown sugar mix in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the juices run clear.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Adjust ingredients based on what you have at home. This meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg