Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic 1950s-inspired meatloaf with a sweet-tangy glaze, made with lean ground beef and a blend of herbs. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs pounds ground beef, brown sugar, tablespoons Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix 1.5 pounds ground beef, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Press the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 3 tablespoons ketchup to make the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf, then bake for 55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Meatloaf with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes