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This juicy honey-glazed meatloaf has rescued many of my weeknight dinners from the clutches of dry, bland family meals. Each slice is tender and moist, bursting with rich flavors and finished with a sticky sweet glaze that never fails to impress. The best part is how easy it is to pull together with everyday ingredients.
After serving this for Sunday dinner, my family immediately crowned it “the best meatloaf ever” and there have been zero leftovers since.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: use 80 percent lean for juiciness and flavor
- Panko breadcrumbs: these ensure a tender texture look for fresh or Japanese-style for best results
- Milk: softens the breadcrumbs for a moist loaf whole or two percent both work well
- Onion: choose a medium yellow or sweet onion for mellow flavor
- Garlic: fresh garlic gives the most aroma and depth
- Eggs: act as the binder for a cohesive loaf use large eggs for proper ratios
- Worcestershire sauce: a classic umami booster choose real aged sauce for depth
- Dijon mustard: adds subtle tang and brightness
- Smoked paprika: gives a faint smokiness try Spanish smoked for bolder notes
- Salt: seasons every bite use kosher salt for easy measuring
- Black pepper: brings mild spice freshly ground is always best
- Fresh parsley: adds color and freshness pick leafy vibrant bunches
- Ketchup: forms the glaze base go with a quality brand without excess sugar
- Honey: brings a floral sweetness local honey is a nice touch
- Apple cider vinegar: balances glaze with gentle acidity use raw for extra complexity
- Brown sugar: deepens sweetness and creates glaze stickiness look for rich dark sugar
- Garlic powder: rounds out the glaze with savory notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soften the Breadcrumbs:
- Combine your panko with milk in a large bowl and let it sit for about five minutes. This hydrates the crumbs which helps guarantee a moist and cohesive meatloaf
- Mix the Meatloaf Base:
- Add ground beef finely chopped onion minced garlic eggs Worcestershire Dijon smoked paprika salt pepper and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Use clean hands to gently combine just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing will make the loaf dense and tough
- Shape the Loaf:
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment lined baking sheet and form it into a nine by five inch loaf. Make sure the height is even so it cooks uniformly
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together ketchup honey apple cider vinegar brown sugar and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tang as desired
- Glaze and Bake Initial Layer:
- Spread half the glaze over the top and sides of the formed meatloaf. Bake in your preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees for forty minutes. This first layer locks in moisture
- Finish Glazing and Cooking:
- After forty minutes remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another fifteen to twenty five minutes. Check that an instant read thermometer reaches one hundred sixty degrees in the center
- Rest and Slice:
- Let the baked meatloaf rest for ten minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy and slices neatly
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The honey in the glaze is my favorite element I always use local wildflower honey which gives a subtle floral note that makes this meatloaf truly special. My family jokes that if I ever skip the glaze there might be a revolt at the dinner table.
Storing Leftover Meatloaf
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Meatloaf also freezes well just slice and wrap for future meals. I love warming leftovers in a skillet which helps revive the glaze and keeps the edges crispy.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
You can swap ground beef for a mix of pork and veal for a richer flavor profile. If you want a lighter version try ground turkey but keep the milk and breadcrumbs for moisture. Shredded carrots or zucchini are great for sneaking in extra veggies without changing the flavor.
How to Serve It
This meatloaf shines with mashed potatoes roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad on the side. Leftover slices make fantastic sandwiches on toasted bread with a swipe of extra glaze.
A Bit of Meatloaf History
Classic American meatloaf has roots in European mixed meat dishes but truly became a staple in home kitchens during the Great Depression as an affordable way to feed families. To this day meatloaf remains a beloved comfort meal for its versatility and nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep meatloaf juicy?
Use 80/20 ground beef, soak breadcrumbs in milk, and avoid overmixing the ingredients. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain moisture.
- → What makes the honey glaze special?
The glaze combines ketchup, honey, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic powder for a sweet-savory finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- → Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with a mix of pork and veal, or add finely grated vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Place leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
- → What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement the sweet and savory flavors nicely.
- → Can the glaze be used on other proteins?
Absolutely! The honey glaze works well on chicken or pork chops as an alternative main dish option.