This Honey Mustard Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze adds a fun flair that makes each bite extra delicious.
Whenever I make this, the whole family gathers around for seconds! Serve it with some mashed potatoes, and you’ll have happy faces all around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of 80/20 is great for moisture and flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. Just keep the moisture balance to avoid a dry meatloaf.
Bread Crumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs, but you can use panko for a crunchier texture or swap with crushed crackers or oats for a gluten-free option.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a lovely tang. If you need something milder, yellow mustard does the job. You could also try honey mustard for extra sweetness!
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley can be used, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatloaf Stays Moist?
Keeping meatloaf moist can be a challenge. The key is in the mix and the baking process.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for moisture—it helps the meatloaf absorb flavors.
- Avoid overmixing the meat; this can make it tough. Just mix until combined.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160°F (71°C) to prevent overbaking.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps keep the juices in.
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up a meatloaf that’s tender and full of flavor every time!
Honey Mustard Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour to cook. So in total, set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this tasty Honey Mustard Meatloaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your loaf pan ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up the milk and become nice and soft.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a larger mixing bowl, add the ground beef, the soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want to combine it well without overworking the meat.
4. Shape and Place the Meatloaf:
Now, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and put it in the prepared loaf pan. Try to keep it even in shape so it cooks uniformly.
5. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until everything is smooth and well mixed.
6. Glaze the Meatloaf:
Spread half of your honey mustard glaze evenly on top of the meatloaf. This will add a delicious layer of flavor while it cooks!
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. This is when it starts to cook through and absorb all those yummy flavors.
8. Add More Glaze:
After 45 minutes, take the meatloaf out of the oven and add the remaining glaze on top. This will give your meatloaf a beautiful, sticky finish!
9. Final Bake:
Put the meatloaf back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check; this is the best way to ensure it’s cooked perfectly!
10. Rest and Slice:
Once it’s cooked, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its juices better!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the pan juices drizzled over the top. Garnish with a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard Meatloaf that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatloaf. Just be sure to keep an eye on the moisture, as turkey can be drier than beef. Adding a bit more milk or some grated vegetables can help.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked rice. Each option will slightly alter the texture, but they will still keep the meatloaf cohesive!
Can I Make the Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This can even help the flavors meld together better!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven; just add a splash of water if it seems dry!