Description
This Meatloaf with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef and pork, smoky turkey bacon, and a luscious sweet glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a balanced combination of sweet and savory flavors with a tender, juicy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef and pork blend
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork blend with the diced smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Add the eggs and plant-based milk to keep the mixture moist and tender. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a lined baking dish or loaf pan and shape into a compact loaf for even cooking and a classic appearance.
- Make the sweet brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural) until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
- Apply the glaze and bake: Brush the sweet brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh onion and garlic to enhance the overall flavor.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender, not dense.
- A loaf pan helps the meatloaf keep its shape, but a baking dish works for a rustic look.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature without drying out.
- For an extra sticky and flavorful finish, brush some glaze halfway through baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, turkey bacon, comfort food, gluten free, plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce