Honey Glazed Meatloaf

Introduction

Honey Glazed Meatloaf is a sweet and savory twist on the classic meatloaf we all know and love. Instead of a traditional ketchup glaze, this recipe uses a luscious honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a glossy finish and a delightful sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory beef.

This dish is hearty, moist, and packed with flavor—comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even as a cozy centerpiece for Sunday meals. The combination of tender meatloaf and sticky honey glaze makes this recipe unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The honey glaze gives it a deliciously unique sweet-savory flavor.
• It’s moist and tender, never dry, thanks to eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs.
• The caramelized glaze makes it look beautiful and appetizing.
• It’s a versatile recipe—perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a creative upgrade from the classic meatloaf.
• The glaze adds richness without overpowering the beef.
• It’s budget-friendly and made with pantry staples.
• Leftovers taste amazing, especially in sandwiches.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~410 calories per serving (estimate, varies by beef type and glaze amount)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix meatloaf ingredients and shape into a loaf.
2. Prepare the honey glaze and brush half over the loaf.
3. Bake, brushing with more glaze halfway through.
4. Rest before slicing and serve with remaining glaze.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep it tender).
3. Shape the Loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared sheet or in a loaf pan.
4. Make the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and paprika.
5. Glaze & Bake: Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Add More Glaze: Brush remaining glaze on top and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve: Slice thickly and enjoy with your favorite sides.

How to Serve

• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans.
• Pair with a fresh side salad for balance.
• Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches with extra glaze.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without drying it out.
• For extra juiciness, mix in ½ lb ground pork or sausage with the beef.
• Glaze the meatloaf in layers for the best caramelized finish.
• Letting the loaf rest before slicing keeps it moist and prevents crumbling.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Glaze: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes to the glaze.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center before baking.
• BBQ Honey Meatloaf: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce in the glaze.
• Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey for a leaner version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Uncooked): Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freezer (Cooked): Slice and freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Q2: Can I make this meatloaf without honey?
Yes, but the honey adds sweetness and caramelization. You can substitute with maple syrup.

Q3: How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming greasy?
Use leaner beef or bake on a rack-lined sheet pan to allow fat to drain.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase cooking time slightly and check internal temperature carefully.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Meatloaf is a deliciously sweet and savory twist on the classic. The tender beef paired with the sticky, caramelized honey glaze makes this dish both comforting and exciting. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!