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Honey BBQ Meatloaf Glaze

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This flavorful meatloaf features a blend of ground beef and pork, combined with onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and savory herbs for extra richness. The real charm lies in the honey BBQ glaze—a luscious mix of smokey sauce, honey, grape jelly, and vinegar—brushed over the loaf before baking. As it cooks, the glaze caramelizes for a sticky, golden finish that balances sweet with tangy. Serve generous slices alongside mashed potatoes, veggies, or even as a sandwich filling for a satisfying twist on a comfort food staple. Leftovers keep well for delicious lunches all week long.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:42:39 GMT
Two pieces of meat with gravy on a plate. Save
Two pieces of meat with gravy on a plate. | sarahmeal.com

Honey BBQ meatloaf is a warm and comforting twist on a weeknight classic. The sticky sweet glaze turns this family favorite into something a little fancier without any extra effort. It is perfect for when you want a meal that feels special but comes together with simple steps and pantry staples.

The first time I tried honey in the glaze it totally transformed the dish and now it is requested whenever my family knows meatloaf is on the menu

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: adds rich flavor and protein Choose 85 15 for juicy results
  • Ground pork: brings moisture and extra flavor to the mix
  • Yellow onion: gives sweetness and keeps the meatloaf tender Choose one with tight skin and no soft spots
  • Garlic: adds depth and savory aroma Use fresh cloves for best flavor
  • Eggs: help bind everything together Large farm eggs are ideal
  • Whole milk: brings moisture that keeps the loaf from drying out
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs: give structure and a mild spice Choose a variety with herbs for extra flavor
  • Freshly grated Parmesan: delivers a salty nutty kick Grate yourself for best melt
  • Fresh parsley: brightens up the loaf and cuts richness Look for vivid green bunches
  • Worcestershire sauce: infuses a savory umami boost
  • Sea salt and black pepper: round out and enhance all the flavors Use flaky salt and fresh ground pepper if you can
  • Dried thyme: brings a subtle earthy warmth Rub it between your fingers before adding
  • BBQ sauce: is the base for a smoky sweet glaze Use your family’s favorite for that signature taste
  • Honey: gives the glaze a caramelized sticky finish
  • Grape jelly: adds a touch of fruitiness and balances the tang
  • Apple cider vinegar: provides brightness and keeps things from tasting too sweet
  • Dijon mustard: cuts the richness and adds just a hint of spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base Mix:
Combine ground beef ground pork diced onion minced garlic and all remaining meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl Mix gently with hands just until combined so the meatloaf stays tender
Shape and Rest:
Transfer mixture to a lined baking sheet and gently form into a loaf about three inches high Let it rest while you make the glaze which helps everything hold together
Make the Honey BBQ Glaze:
Whisk together BBQ sauce honey grape jelly apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard in a bowl until smooth The mixture should be glossy and pourable
Glaze and Bake:
Spread half the glaze evenly over the loaf Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about forty minutes until the top is set and edges begin to caramelize
Finish with More Glaze:
Remove meatloaf from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze Return to the oven and bake another fifteen to twenty minutes until an instant read thermometer registers one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit in the center
Rest and Slice:
Let the meatloaf rest for ten minutes to lock in the juices Slice with a sharp knife and serve with your favorite sides
Two pieces of meat with sauce on a plate. Save
Two pieces of meat with sauce on a plate. | sarahmeal.com

I always use grape jelly for a subtle fruity twist but my kids love helping to brush on the extra glaze before the final bake It makes suppertime feel special

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days For best texture reheat slices in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through Freeze slices between parchment for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutes

Try turkey or chicken for part of the meat if you want something lighter Sour cream makes a fine swap for milk in a pinch Use panko or crushed crackers if you are out of seasoned breadcrumbs

Two pieces of meat covered in sauce. Save
Two pieces of meat covered in sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf absolutely shines with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy coleslaw It is just as good tucked into a toasted roll with extra glaze and a little crunchy lettuce for a twist on meatball subs

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of meat works best for this dish?

A combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy, flavorful texture and helps the loaf hold together beautifully.

→ How can I prevent the meat from drying out?

Be sure to include milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs in the mixture, and avoid overbaking for the most tender result.

→ What makes the glaze unique?

The glaze blends BBQ sauce with honey, grape jelly, and vinegar for sweet, tangy complexity that caramelizes as it bakes.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Leftovers taste great reheated or served cold in sandwiches.

→ What side dishes go well with it?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads all pair nicely with the bold flavors and hearty texture.

→ Can I use another cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes, try Romano or shredded cheddar for a different twist, though Parmesan offers classic savory depth.

Honey BBQ Meatloaf Glaze

Sweet and tangy BBQ glaze brings rich flavor to this classic meatloaf everyone will love.

Preparation Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
70 minutes
Total Duration
95 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 8 Portion Size (One meatloaf, approximately 10 slices)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatloaf

Ingredient 01 900 g ground beef (85/15 blend)
Ingredient 02 450 g ground pork
Ingredient 03 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
Ingredient 04 4 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 05 3 large eggs, beaten
Ingredient 06 160 ml whole milk
Ingredient 07 90 g seasoned breadcrumbs
Ingredient 08 45 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 09 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient 10 30 ml Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 11 10 g sea salt
Ingredient 12 5 g black pepper
Ingredient 13 1.5 g dried thyme

→ Honey BBQ Glaze

Ingredient 14 240 ml BBQ sauce
Ingredient 15 110 ml honey
Ingredient 16 60 ml grape jelly
Ingredient 17 30 ml apple cider vinegar
Ingredient 18 15 ml Dijon mustard

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

Instruction 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently by hand until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Instruction 03

Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it onto the prepared tray or into the loaf pan.

Instruction 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

Instruction 05

Spoon half of the honey BBQ glaze over the surface of the meatloaf, spreading evenly.

Instruction 06

Transfer to the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Instruction 07

Remove meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 70°C and the glaze is caramelized.

Instruction 08

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with desired accompaniments.

Additional Tips

  1. For best results, avoid over-mixing the meat to ensure a tender texture.
  2. Meatloaf slices beautifully after resting, making it ideal for sandwiches or next-day meals.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking tray or loaf pan
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Whisk
  • Oven
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk and dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (breadcrumbs)
  • Contains mustard

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 21 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams