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This Honey Mustard Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! The sweet and tangy flavor from honey and mustard adds a delicious surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Making this meatloaf is super easy! Just mix your ingredients, shape it into a loaf and bake. Perfect for cozy dinners with family or a weekend meal. Trust me, you’ll love it! 😋

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, go for turkey or chicken. Mixing beef and pork gives a nice richness, too!

Breadcumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but if you want to avoid gluten, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, use Italian-style breadcrumbs.

Dijon Mustard: This is key for that tangy taste. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard will work, but the flavor will be milder. You could also try honey mustard for a twist!

Honey: Raw honey adds a deep sweetness, but agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes if you need a vegan option.

What’s the Best Way to Keep the Meatloaf Moist?

To keep your meatloaf tender and juicy, the technique of soaking breadcrumbs in milk is essential. This step helps bind the ingredients without drying out the meat. Here’s how:

• Let the breadcrumbs soak for at least 5 minutes; this creates a moist base.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture; gently combine until just blended.
• Adding eggs helps to hold everything together and provides moisture.
• Letting the meatloaf rest after baking allows juices to redistribute within the meat.

Honey Mustard Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

For the Glaze:

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Honey Mustard Meatloaf will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll need to let it rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish—easy and delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your meatloaf! Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.

2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk and become soft. This will help keep your meatloaf moist and flavorful!

3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and chopped parsley into the bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf might become tough!

4. Shape and Place in the Pan:

Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it in the prepared loaf pan. This gives it a nice structure for baking.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar (if you’re using it) for the glaze. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf for a tasty finish.

6. Bake the Meatloaf:

Bake it in the oven for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). About 15 minutes before it’s finished, spread the remaining glaze on top to let it caramelize.

7. Let it Rest and Serve:

Once baked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to cool slightly and keeps it juicy. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if you’d like!

Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor that the honey mustard glaze brings to this comforting, classic dish!

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may need additional seasoning to enhance the flavor, since turkey has a milder taste compared to beef.

Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use oats as a binder. Both options will work nicely without altering the flavor too much.

How Should I Store Leftover Meatloaf?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini can add great texture and moisture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix well, and consider reducing the amount of breadcrumbs slightly to maintain the balance.