BROWN SUGAR MEATLOAF

BROWN SUGAR MEATLOAF ½ cup light brown sugar ½ cup BBQ sauce 1 small onion, small diced (about 1 cup) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 pounds lean ground beef 2 eggs ¾ cup milk 1 cup finely crushed Ritz Cracker crumbs Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C Lightly spray a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside. Spread the brown sugar into the bottom of the pan evenly. Top the brown sugar with the BBQ sauce. Set the pan aside. In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients and using your hands mix everything together evenly. Try not to over work the meat, which will result in a dense loaf. Place the meat on top of the BBQ sauce and press evenly into the pan. Bake the meatloaf for 60-70 minutes until the juices run clear or a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F/70°C. Allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to a platter to serve.