This Honey Mustard Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! The sweet honey and zesty mustard together make every bite flavorful and fun.
I love how easy it is to prepare—just mix, shape, and bake! It always makes my kitchen smell amazing and fills my family with smiles. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go with a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner meat, turkey works too, but it could be a bit drier, so add a bit more milk or an extra egg.
Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are great, but if you’re feeling adventurous, use seasoned ones for extra flavor. You can also substitute with rolled oats for a healthier twist or gluten-free bread if you need it to be gluten-free.
Onion: Chopped onions add sweetness and depth. If you don’t have any, try using shallots or green onions for a milder taste.
Honey Mustard Sauce: This is essential for that signature taste! If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard will do in a pinch but will be less tangy. Don’t hesitate to try your favorite store-bought honey mustard too!
How Can I Ensure My Meatloaf Is Moist and Flavorful?
A big part of making a juicy meatloaf is not overmixing when combining the ingredients. This keeps the texture tender. Here’s a step-by-step to help:
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. An overworked mixture can lead to a tough meatloaf.
- Adding milk and an egg helps to bind and keep moisture. If you’re using lean meat, consider adding a bit more milk to compensate.
- Let it rest after cooking! This step allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice more flavorful.
Honey Mustard Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce (for glaze and topping)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or smoked paprika for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey mustard meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need about 55-65 minutes to bake it. Plus, give it a little time to rest after baking, about 10 minutes. So, overall, set aside around 1.5 hours for prep and cooking to enjoy this wonderful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the meatloaf doesn’t stick. Easy clean-up!
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise (if you’re using it), apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix until smooth and set it aside for later. This sauce is going to be full of flavor!
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently—just enough to blend it all together, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Take the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf that fits nicely in your prepared pan. You can make it a bit taller for a nicer presentation if you’d like!
5. Add the Sauce:
Spread about half of your honey mustard sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will bake into a delicious, sticky glaze!
6. Bake:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and let it bake for about 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy if you have one.
7. Add More Sauce:
When you have about 10 minutes left of baking, spread the remaining honey mustard sauce on top. This will give it that beautiful, glossy finish!
8. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps keep all those delicious juices inside!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your meatloaf and serve it with any remaining honey mustard sauce drizzled over the top or on the side. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or your favorite side salad. Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatloaf. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a bit more milk or an extra egg for moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use rolled oats for a healthier twist. Alternatively, crushed crackers or cornflakes work well, too. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning, as some may already be flavored!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?
Definitely! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can add moisture and flavor. Just remember to measure the total volume to ensure the right meat-to-vegetable ratio for the best texture!
