This meatloaf recipe combines a sweet glaze with a savory, tender loaf for a comforting and delicious meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Greasing the pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ketchup to create the glaze.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves into the ketchup.
Spread half of the glaze mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
Spreading the glaze first creates a caramelized topping when baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, onion, ginger, and breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the glaze in the loaf pan.
Shaping the loaf evenly ensures it cooks uniformly.
Spread the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Covering the top with glaze adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf easier to slice.