BROWN SUGAR MEATLOAF
This brown sugar meatloaf will be a recipe you make over and over. It’s one of our most popular for a reason.
If you love this dish, you will also love our delicious Chicken and Gravy. It’s made in the crock pot and wonderful over mashed potatoes.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love the combination of the spices plus the sweetness of the sauce in this recipe. If you read the comments many people agree this is one of the best meatloaf recipes. We have made this a few different ways and it’s always a hit. Many people think.. brown sugar? I assure you… it is wonderful.
SWAPS
We have made this meatloaf many times with ground turkey. It’s delicious! We suggest using the 85/15 for this recipe to add a little extra fat. The lean turkey will not hold together very well. Also, we have made this recipe without onions, green peppers, and celery! Just the meat, oats, egg, and all the spices, and it’s just as good! Some people don’t like those things when taking to an event, so we simply leave them out.
SERVE THIS WITH:
Normally, I don’t care for
meatloaf but this one is outstanding. I make this and cut it into slices which I freeze individually because I live alone. It freezes very well and great for nights that I don’t want to cook.
OTHER POPULAR RECIPES
Brown Sugar Meatloaf
Video
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 (Save the other half for the sauce)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce the other half of the 8 ounce can
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
Meatloaf Instructions
- Mix all the above ingredients together in a large bowl. Shape into a loaf, place in casserole dish and bake uncovered in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Sauce Instructions
- Whisk sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Remove meatloaf after 30 minutes and pour sauce over the top.
- Raise oven temperature to 375 degrees and return meatloaf to oven. Cook 35 more minutes. Serve any leftover sauce in pan over individual meatloaf slices.
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Looks delicious. It is similar to one that I make now but I want to try this recipe. I like meatloaf, but LOVE meatloaf sandwiches, on white bread, of course!
YAY! I hope you love it!
Excellent meatloaf recipe.
Wondering if i can make ahead of time, refridgerate, and bake 5-6 hrs later?
Also, since its cold, how long should i bake?
I have made it ahead of time and baked later and didnt change the time. I set it out while my oven preheated and all worked just fine. You may cut a slice just to make sure it is done to your liking. So glad you love the recipe!
Loved the Meatloaf.
Having trouble finding recipe for five ingredient fudge, could you send, please
So glad you loved the meatloaf! Here is the recipe for the five minute fudge: https://thesouthernladycooks.com/five-minute-fudge/
I made this on Sunday! It ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS, so much so that my husband ate half of it!
YAY!! We are THRILLED to hear this was such a hit. We love this recipe and make it often, the flavor is wonderful.
We subed panko with a few Ritz, great recipe
I’m about to make this for a friend d who just told me he loves meatloaf. I would like to use turkey but not sure what the 85/15 reference is. Assuming 85 Turkey and 15….beef?
That means the turkey is 85% lean 15% fat.
I made this twice but used dark brown sugar instead of light brown the second time. I think it was better with the dark brown sugar as it had a more molasses taste to it. I will make again for sure and it is going into my dinner rotation as of now.
Fred B.
So glad you enjoyed it! I will try the dark next time I make it!
Normally I don’t care for meatloaf but this one is outstanding. I make this and cut it into slices which I freeze individually because I live alone. It freezes very well and great for nights that I don’t want to cook.
That is a fanstasic idea to cut and freeze in individual servings! We’re thrilled you enjoy this recipe and you made it work for you!
Looks yummy. I’m not a fan of mustard. If I leave it out- will the sauce not be as good?
It will be fine! You can’t taste the mustard though. Enjoy!
My mom made a similar meatloaf recipe and what I loved was the caramelized ketchup, brown sugar and dry mustard topping! She used milk soaked bread instead of oatmeal but rest of recipe is same. Anyone for meat loaf sandwiches the next day?? Ketchup on the bread of course!
This sounds wonderful and I intend to attempt it. However, the temps here are in the upper 80’s-upper 90’s, therefore I do not use any type of oven. Is there a way to cook this in a crockpot? It would truly be marvelous is you shared how to cook more on the stovetop or crockpot for those of us in this extreme heat. I have done more than one of your casseroles stovetop and with minor tweaks they were truly delicious. This is only a suggestion, however I would be more inclined to try more of your recipes.
Hi Karen,
I have to admit that I giggled a bit when I read your comment. We too live in extreme heat. With the heat index, it will be over 100 degrees here today. For me, I just don’t make a lot of recipes that are made in the oven when it’s this hot. This recipe is best made in the oven. If you want to give it a go in the slow cooker, go for it! 🙂 There is no way that we can provide different cooking methods for all the recipes on our website. We have over 1600 recipes. What may help you is to go to our website and click on the CROCKPOT tab and look at those dishes. There are hundreds of crockpot recipes on this site. 🙂 I’m not sure why you gave this recipe 3 stars, being that you have never made it…I encourage you to actually try the recipe before you rate it. You may also want to read over all the wonderful comments below. Thanks!
When my oven broke, I made a meatloaf in my crockpot. I put foil under it and made sure it was big enough to wrap around the sides so you could take it out. I forget how long you cook it for but to get an idea,just look for slow cooker meatloaf.
All of your recipes that I’ve tried have not disappointed. This one is no exception! It’s so good. Thank you for sharing.
I made this recipe using ground elk! It was FABULOUS! Not a crumb left. The sauce is perfect!
Was looking for something different to make. Saw this recipe and the wonderful comments made about it. Thought it had to be really good and it did not disappoint. I am not a big meatloaf fan, but this recipe is a definite keeper. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing all off your fantastic recipes with us. Made this with scalloped potatoes and you green bean recipe with the yummy sauce. What a DELICIOUS meal.
We are so glad you tried this meatloaf and it was a hit! We love this one too!
Brown Sugar Meatloaf is now my go-to meatloaf recipe. There is never a morsel left behind and I can count on my grandkids (all ages) to be here for supper when I make it. By far the best meatloaf I have ever made and, believe me, I’ve tried them all. I seldom have oats on hand so I substitute bread crumbs; gives just enough texture to hold it together. And I simply love the sauce so I make extra and use it on baked chicken.
My husband said it good enough to make again!
I’m an 89 yr old lady who has been cooking since I was 9 (my mother’s 1st cancer operation put me in charge of the house which included 5 siblings.) I hated meatloaf – avoided making it. My son spotted this recipe and wanted it – so I made it. I now love meatloaf, but only this one. I did double the sauce and served it with rice and asparagus.
Just to make individual servings, I make my meatloaf in muffin tins. Kids love it and it cuts the cooking time down. Cook 350 degrees for 20 minutes then add the sauce to top of each one. Continue to cook about 5 – 7 minutes. Makes about 12 muffins if 1lb of beef used.
I made your meatloaf!
It was amazing!!! It was a keeper!!!
Pardon me for doing one thing. I used salsa for the sauce on top due to I was out of tomato sauce.
You might want to try that sometime. It was an excellent replacement!!!
Everyone was drooling over dinner!!!
Thank you so much!!!!!
YAY!! We are thrilled it was a hit! I will definitely try that sometime, thanks for the suggestion!
I’m 75 and have made a lot of different recipes for meatloaf. This one is THE BEST. I doubled the sauce because it’s so good. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. All of your recipes are great!
My husband and I love this meatloaf. Always double the sauce…. cuz it’s delicious! Tonight I’m using Hot Honey in the sauce. Can’t wait…..dreaded meatloaf growing up…..feel like I finally found the best meatloaf recipe…..at 70. Ha! Love your recipes! Thank you!
YAY!! We are thrilled you enjoy this meatloaf recipe.. its our favorite too!
I cook a meal for my Life Group every Thursday. I finally made the Brown Sugar Meatloaf. Yummy! It was definitely a hit, and will be making it again. Thanks for the recipe!
I love meatloaf; this one was very good. The mustard hints of piquancy and the hot sauce delivers a little heat; this will be on the menu again.
My wife, a world-class picky eater, even consented to try a bite and pronounced it “OK.”
Refrigerating it overnight ‘sets’ the ingredients and lets the flavors marry together better. I’m already looking forward to dinner tonight.
What can I substitute for the oats? Would I use the same amount for the
substitute ?
Thank You
Marie Griggs
You can try saltine crackers or bread crumbs and I would assume the same amount.
This sounds like the Meatloaf i have been looking for can’t wait to try it. I made one last night and it was aweful. it and the recipe went in garbage. But yours sounds perfect.
My question is could I do it in a air fryer ? If yes what temp and time please.
Thank you for your wonderful recipes
Sherry
We don’t own an air fryer, so I have no clue.
Hi
I’m from the UK
Your recipe says ‘tomato sauce”…what is this ketchup or tinned chopped tomatoes? What is ‘tomato sauce’?
Thank you
Here is a picture.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hunt-s-Tomato-Sauce-8-oz-Can/10295084?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=571&adid=2222222227710295084_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-294505072980&wl5=9014279&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=10295084&wl13=571&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-fmZBhDtARIsAH6H8qiTefBJlFYaCmsZM5Yed_HRGkrWypy0zgK2txtsgACbPLqTVndqplUaAmB4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Whenever I make meatloaf, it tends to fall apart a bit after cookinG. What am I doing wrong?
YOu may be overcooking it some, which will dry it out and cause it to fall apart.
Best meatloaf! Absolutely hands down the very best! My family is obsessed with it. Thank you so much, ladies. I LOVE your recipes.
Made this couple of weeks ago for Sunday dinner. Very good. It’s my go-to meat loaf recipe!
FROM A NZ FARMER’S WIFE:
I was stuck for a meat dish for our evening meal – made your lovely meatloaf, and is the best I have tried in sometime. Also the sauce just made it too!! I presume you could halve this also if you wish not to use the quantity in the recipe.
It was very tasty, and so filling – also it made a large meatloaf, enough for another meal, or those extra unexpected guests.
My family loved this recipe but I had trouble slicing the meatloaf. It crumbled even when it had cooled down. Did I do something wrong?
I have not had this problem so it is hard to advise you. Maybe, try pressing the raw ingredients together more before cooking and make sure any moisture is compressed out of the meat.
I made this tonight for the first time and oh my lanta is it delicious. Definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My family loves this meatloaf!!!
So glad!!
This is my go to meatloaf recipe. A family favorite!!!
I just made this yesterday and it was amazing! I left out the celery and used a 9×5″ loaf pan. Can’t wait for leftovers tonight!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Karen. Thank you for letting me know. Have a wonderful week!
Thank you so much! My family told me not to make my meatloaf anymore, they didn’t care for it. So last night when I said I made meatloaf for supper they gave me a look. Then they started asking when it would be done, cause it smelled good. They loved it! All that was left was enough for two sandwiches for lunch. Thank you again for saving supper, 🙂
Kim, I am so glad they enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for the kind comment! Have a wonderful week 🙂
I am cooking this right now as I type. Just reread & saw to bake in a casserole dish…..I put mine in a loaf pan hope it’s ok.? I followed the recipe exactly but subbed venison for the beef & added 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to prevent venison from drying out.
It should be fine, Emily.
I’m looking for an alternative to tomatoe sauce for the ingredient in my meatloaf recipe. Do you have any suggestions? I’ve tried this recipe and it’s amazing! Unfortunately my mom can’t eat anything with tomatoes in it and she loves meatloaf. Please help!!
Check out this recipe, Robbie: https://thesouthernladycooks.com/2011/09/21/my-familys-favorite-meatloaf/
Does anybody have a great Tomato Gravy recipe to go with these peppers??? My mother made this gravey many years ago and I can’t find the recipe.
Here is the link to my tomato gravy Bob: https://thesouthernladycooks.com/2011/08/22/tomato-gravy/
….I made this meatloaf for dinner today….my family loved it!!!…I will make this again…..i added a half of Bob Evans spicy sausage roll…it truly is the best meatloaf i’ve ever made…
Thank you so much Bridget. So happy you enjoyed this recipe and thank you for letting me know. Have a great week and happy to have you on the site.
This is the best meatloaf… Ever! I cooked mine outside in the grill with a smoking pellet packet. I had guests over when i made it and they all needed the recipe.
Thank you so much Tina! Happy you all enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for letting me know. Have a great day.
Look under the post and click on the printer icon there. You can remove the photo and any text you don’t want and just print the recipe, Jodie.
This is the best meatloaf ever! I have tried it before and it was delicious. I am trying it today the 1/2 ground meat and 1/2 ground turkey. Hope it doesn’t come out too dry. We will see.
Stumbled upon and so glad I did, was planning on making meatloaf – will try your recipe along w/the corn pudding – will use my home canned corn!! Thanks (not often I find a recipe and I have all of the ingredients!!)
Oh goodness! My hubby LOVES meatloaf, but not necessarily mine 🙁 . He’s always after me to find a new recipe and I’m thinking this one will suit him just fine. Thank you SO much!
I’ll have to try this, been looking for a good meatloaf recipe!
am leaving in guadeloupe , lot of things we don’t got here ! i really love trying this recipe
would regular old fashioned oats work?
Yes, I think so.
gonna try it as Salisbury’s see how that goes too.
This sounds so good…I usually use a sweet BBQ sauce on top of my meatloaf, but I think I’m gonna give this one a try…Thanks for the recipe <3
A good Meatloaf with mash taters is soo Good! But for me the Meatloaf Sandwich is the Best!!!
it’s dinner time with no plan on what to make and I’m looking at the picture and reading the recipe, trying very hard not to drool on my lap top! looks delicious
Oh my mouth is watering…. I can’t tell you how much I miss meatloaf but sadly the rest of my family won’t eat it! Can you adopt me so I can enjoy some of this? lol!
Make it in small loaf pans for 1 serving size and freeze the extras then you can have meat loaf anytime.
I will have to try this one,I have a good recipe but never thought of putting brown sugar I have put liquid smoke and it is good.But i will be making this as soon as I get back home ..Thank you so much for the posting I just love all that you post for us Thank You again..
Glad you like the recipes, Wanda. Thank you for your great comment and for being part of my site.
I made this and we love it!!! Thanks for all you do!
So happy you enjoyed it, Evelyn, and thanks for your lovely comment and being a part of the site.
Hi There! Could I freeze this and then cook from frozen at a later date? Thanks so much!
I think you could, but I havent tried it, you would want to add the sauce the day you serve it.
love this meatloaf mmmmmm
Yum! Brown sugar makes about anything better!
I have added Jimmy Dean’s maple flavored sausage to this also, just leave out some of your h.b. meat and you can also substiture Turkey if you prefer!! definite HIT!
I like that you use the oats, that is definately a healthy and frugal addition to stretch your meat budget!
This recipe sounds wonderful. Got to try it!
I am making this Monday as part of my birthday dinner..I have a feeling me and my family will thoroughly enjoy this dish
Meatloaf is definitely a favorite…sweeten it up and I’ll eat it all myself. =) Thanks for making my mouth water…again.
Yum, that sounds good. I love meatloaf, and this one sounds right up my alley. Thanks for that and Happy Memorial Day. God bless our troops and veterans!