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Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Recipe Stuffed with Mozzarella and Herbs for Easy Homemade Dinner

brown sugar glazed meatloaf - featured image

A delicious and comforting meatloaf featuring a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze and a gooey mozzarella and fresh herb stuffing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil or oregano
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add cubed mozzarella, chopped parsley, chopped basil or oregano, diced onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Add egg, panko breadcrumbs, and whole milk to the bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  6. Spoon half of the brown sugar glaze over the top, spreading evenly.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes. Halfway through baking (around 20 minutes), spoon the remaining glaze over the loaf.
  8. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If no thermometer, cut into the center to check that juices run clear and mozzarella is melted.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice thickly and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense loaf. Spread the glaze twice during baking for a sticky, caramelized crust. Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. Use fresh herbs for best flavor; reduce dried herbs quantity to avoid overpowering. If glaze caramelizes too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, mozzarella stuffed, herbs, easy dinner, homemade meatloaf, comfort food