Honey Garlic Glazed Meatloaf

$- Ground beef and pork suggestions: I like to use a mix of 1 ½ pounds of ground beef and pork. This gives the meatloaf great flavor and moisture. You can use all beef if you prefer, but the mix adds richness. - Breadcrumbs and eggs for binding: One cup of breadcrumbs helps bind everything together. Two large eggs also act as a binder. They keep the meatloaf from falling apart when you slice it. - Importance of garlic and onion in flavor: A small onion and two cloves of garlic bring out the best taste. They add layers of flavor and keep the meatloaf from being bland. Minced garlic and finely chopped onion are key to achieving a delicious meatloaf. - Honey and soy sauce balance: The glaze is made with ⅓ cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. The honey gives sweetness, while the soy sauce adds a savory kick. This balance makes the meatloaf shine. - Additional garlic benefits: I add two more cloves of minced garlic to the glaze. This enhances the garlic flavor and makes it extra tasty. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish. - Apple cider vinegar for acidity: A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in the glaze adds acidity. This cuts through the sweetness and rounds out the flavors. It helps make the glaze bright and fresh. For the full recipe, check out Honey Garlic Glazed Meatloaf. First, we need to preheat the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the meatloaf cook evenly. While the oven warms up, take a loaf pan and lightly grease it. This step stops the meatloaf from sticking. Next, let's mix the meatloaf ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following: - 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large eggs - ½ cup milk - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Make sure to mix everything well. But remember, don’t overmix. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Just combine until it’s all together. Now, transfer the meat mixture into your greased loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape it evenly. This helps it cook well. Next, let’s prepare the glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - ⅓ cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar - ½ teaspoon black pepper Once mixed, pour half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a nice coating. It's time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour. It’s important to check the temperature. You want the inside to reach 160°F (70°C) for safe eating. For even baking, you can rotate the pan halfway through. About 30 minutes in, take it out and brush on the remaining glaze. This adds more flavor and helps it shine. Once it’s done baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps keep it juicy. You can serve it warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of the honey garlic glaze! To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the meatloaf can become tough. Just mix until everything is combined. Next, add wet ingredients like eggs and milk properly. These ingredients help bind the mixture and keep it juicy. For a great glaze, find the right balance of sweetness and saltiness. If the glaze is too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. If it's too salty, mix in more honey. Timing is also key for applying the glaze. Pour half on before baking, then add the rest halfway through. This layering gives the meatloaf a tasty coat. When serving meatloaf, pair it with ideal sides. Mashed potatoes or steamed veggies work well. For presentation, slice the meatloaf and place it on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. This makes your meal look inviting and delicious. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in your meatloaf. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. If you prefer plants, use lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Mixing different meats adds flavor and texture. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition. Grated carrots or zucchini mix well into the meat. Finely chopped bell peppers or spinach can add color and taste. These swaps keep your meatloaf fun and healthy. Want to change the taste? Add spices like thyme or basil. These herbs lift the flavor and add freshness. You can also mix in paprika for a smoky twist or black pepper for heat. Try different glazes for variety. You can use barbecue sauce for a tangy kick. Teriyaki sauce brings a sweet and salty flavor. Each glaze makes the meatloaf unique and exciting. Seasonal ingredients can inspire your meatloaf. In fall, add pumpkin puree or warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These give a cozy touch to the dish. During summer, fresh herbs shine. Try basil, cilantro, or dill for a light flavor. You can even toss in some fresh corn for sweetness. Seasonal twists keep your honey garlic glazed meatloaf fresh and fun. For the full recipe, check the Honey Garlic Glazed Meatloaf section! After cooking, let the meatloaf cool down for about 10 minutes. This helps keep it moist. To store leftovers, cut the meatloaf into slices. Place the slices in an airtight container. This keeps air out and prevents drying. You can also wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap. Either way, don’t forget to store it in the fridge. Proper cooling helps keep your honey garlic glazed meatloaf fresh for up to four days. You can freeze meatloaf before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, shape the meatloaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Label it with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later. If you want to freeze it after baking, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Make sure to label it as well. The frozen meatloaf can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen meatloaf, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. This method keeps it juicy and tasty. The best temperature to bake meatloaf is 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the meatloaf to cook evenly without drying out. You should check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for doneness is 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat. Yes, you can make meatloaf in advance. Prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf. You can cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps save time on busy days. You can also freeze the shaped meatloaf. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Meatloaf can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or shows any discoloration, it's best to throw it away. You can substitute honey in the glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a sweetener. These options add a different flavor but keep the glaze sweet. Brown sugar mixed with a bit of water can also work. This gives a similar sweetness and texture. Each substitute will slightly change the taste, so feel free to experiment. This blog post explored the key ingredients and steps for making a tasty meatloaf. You learned about the best meats to use, the importance of flavor from garlic and onion, and how to create a delicious glaze. I shared tips for keeping your meatloaf moist and ways to serve it with style. You can experiment with ingredient swaps and seasonal flavors to make it your own. Remember to follow storage guidelines for leftovers. Enjoy cooking, and make your meatloaf a new family favorite!$

Honey Garlic Glazed Meatloaf

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Honey Garlic Glazed Meatloaf! This comforting recipe combines juicy ground beef with a sweet and savory glaze that your family will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a tender meatloaf perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready to impress your taste buds?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

⅓ cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.

Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even shape.

Prepare the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until thoroughly mixed.

Glaze the Meatloaf: Pour half of the honey garlic glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.

Add More Glaze: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven to finish baking.

Check for Doneness: The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the pan.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Slice the meatloaf and serve on a platter garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.