Honey BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
A twist on the classic meatloaf, this Honey BBQ Meatloaf combines savory, tender beef with the sweet and smoky flavors of honey barbecue sauce. The meatloaf is glazed with a tangy, rich BBQ sauce that infuses each bite with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food with a little sweetness and tang, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the meatloaf will cook evenly, giving it a delicious crust on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by preparing your vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork if you prefer a different texture)
- The sautéed onion and garlic mixture
- Breadcrumbs (you can also use panko for a lighter texture)
- Egg (binds the ingredients together)
- Milk (helps with moisture, you can use a dairy-free alternative)
- Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth)
- Dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper (for seasoning)
Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in a dense meatloaf. Mix until everything is just combined, and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan (typically 9×5 inches). Press the mixture down into the pan to remove any air pockets and ensure it’s evenly distributed. If you prefer, you can also freeform the meatloaf by shaping it into a loaf and placing it on a lined baking sheet.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey BBQ Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Barbecue sauce (choose a sweet and smoky variety)
- Honey (for that sweet stickiness)
- Dijon mustard (adds tanginess and depth)
- Apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra balance and a hint of acidity)
- Smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Stir well until the mixture is smooth and combined. Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey, or if you like more tang, increase the vinegar.
Step 6: Glaze the Meatloaf
After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush a generous amount of the honey BBQ glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf, covering it completely. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest the Meatloaf
Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the glaze has set, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf easier to slice and keeping it moist.
Serving Suggestions
1. Side Dishes: This honey BBQ meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit alongside meatloaf. You can make them classic, garlic-infused, or even with cheese for an extra indulgence.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes add a healthy touch with a slight caramelization that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
- Corn on the Cob: A simple, classic side that adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to balance out the savory meatloaf.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the meatloaf and add a fresh texture.
2. Bread: Serve the meatloaf with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce left on the plate.
3. Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the heaviness of the meatloaf.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as it is, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs.
1. Ground Meat Substitutes:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so you may need to add a little more moisture (like olive oil or a small amount of broth) to ensure the meatloaf doesn’t dry out.
- Ground Pork: Mixing ground pork with beef gives the meatloaf a juicy texture with a bit of richness.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Meatloaf: Use plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or store-bought plant-based ground meat to make this dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly. Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and water to bind everything together.
2. BBQ Sauce Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: For those who enjoy some heat, try using a spicy BBQ sauce or add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own BBQ sauce with ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, mustard, and spices.
3. Glaze Variations:
- Bacon-Infused Glaze: Add crispy crumbled bacon into the glaze for a smoky, crunchy texture and an extra savory note.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine honey with mustard, adding a tangy-sweet kick to the glaze for a different flavor profile.
4. Add-ins to the Meatloaf:
- Cheese: Adding shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda) inside the meatloaf can provide extra flavor and moisture.
- Vegetables: You can incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Common Questions
1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf and form it into a loaf shape, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, just bake it at the same temperature, but for an additional 10-15 minutes.
2. How do I store leftovers? Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf (without glaze) for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even ground almonds (for a gluten-free option) as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done? The best way to check if your meatloaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you’re using leaner meats, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. The combination of savory beef, sweet honey BBQ glaze, and the seasonings results in a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With endless variations and sides to accompany it, you can make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
Honey BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

A twist on the classic meatloaf, this Honey BBQ Meatloaf combines savory, tender beef with the sweet and smoky flavors of honey barbecue sauce. The meatloaf is glazed with a tangy, rich BBQ sauce that infuses each bite with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food with a little sweetness and tang, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for a richer flavor, can be replaced with more beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- For the Honey BBQ Glaze:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon for this.
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan (9x5-inch is ideal) or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Prepare the Honey BBQ Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. - Glaze the Meatloaf:
Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Reserve the remaining glaze for serving. - Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
If the top begins to brown too much, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking. - Finish and Serve:
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with the reserved honey BBQ glaze on the side or drizzled over the slices.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk and replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety to make it gluten- and dairy-free.
- Meat Substitutes: If you prefer a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Additional Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix in chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or even some cooked bacon bits into the meat mixture.