If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner, this Honey BBQ Meatloaf hits all the right notes. It’s tender, juicy, and topped with a sticky-sweet homemade honey barbecue glaze that takes classic comfort food to a whole new level. With a blend of ground beef and pork, this meatloaf is anything but ordinary—and it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
And if you love these flavors in meatloaf form, don’t miss out on our classic Meatballs recipe—it’s just as mouthwatering!
What Makes Honey BBQ Meatloaf So Good?
The secret to this moist and flavorful meatloaf is in the meat mixture. Combining two pounds of ground beef with a pound of ground pork creates a juicy, rich base that holds up beautifully to the bold glaze. Pork brings a little extra fat and flavor, which balances perfectly with the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
Why Add Honey BBQ Glaze?
That sticky, caramelized glaze is what sets this recipe apart. The honey adds natural sweetness, while the barbecue sauce brings smoky depth—making every bite savory, sweet, and downright irresistible.
Key Ingredients for the Best Honey BBQ Meatloaf
This recipe sticks to traditional ingredients with a few smart choices that make a big difference:
- Ground beef + ground pork: This combo keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful. You’ll notice the difference right away.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: These help create that classic meatloaf texture. They soak up the meat juices so you don’t end up with a dry loaf. Try using fresh breadcrumbs from the bakery section for the best results.
How to Store and Reheat Honey BBQ Meatloaf
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze slices of meatloaf for easy meals later. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Can You Make Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the entire loaf (uncooked) and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This is a great option if you’re entertaining or just want to make dinner easier on a busy weeknight.
Whether you’re serving this up with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or stuffing it in a sandwich the next day, Honey BBQ Meatloaf is comfort food done right. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Honey BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, (any kind)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- In a medium bowl, combine whole milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.
- Add the milk mixture to the meat mixture. Gently mix everything together until evenly combined. (Do not overmix)
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a log or loaf shape, and try to keep the thickness even so it cooks uniformly.
- In a small bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, honey, and grape jelly until smooth.
- Pour half of the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and pour the remaining sauce over the meatloaf.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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