Description
A flavorful Brown Sugar Meatloaf featuring a blend of ground beef, vegetables, oats, and a tangy-sweet sauce made with brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Baked to perfection for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/3 cup green pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Several drops hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, divided (half for meatloaf, half for sauce)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (remaining half of 8 ounce can)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, quick-cooking oats, chopped green onions, green pepper, celery, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, half of the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, egg, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape and Bake the Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in a bowl until well combined.
- Apply Sauce and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and return the meatloaf to the oven to bake for an additional 35 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the meatloaf to cook through.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest briefly. Serve slices of meatloaf topped with sauce from the pan for extra flavor.
Notes
- Liquid smoke is optional but adds a smoky flavor to the meatloaf.
- Adjust salt and hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Using quick-cooking oats helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it moist.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to retain juices when slicing.
- Leftover sauce can be warmed and served alongside meatloaf slices for additional moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar meatloaf, baked meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, sweet meatloaf sauce, comfort food
