There’s nothing quite like a classic Honey BBQ Meatloaf fresh from the oven. This comforting family favorite is made with tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich, caramelized barbecue glaze naturally sweetened with Browning’s Honey. Every slice is juicy, flavorful, and coated with a sweet-and-smoky glaze that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, cozy family meals, or meal prepping for the week, this easy meatloaf recipe takes traditional comfort food to the next level. Browning’s Honey adds just the right touch of sweetness while helping create a beautifully glossy glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended Honey: Browning’s Clover Honey for a smooth, mild sweetness.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Classic comfort food with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ twist.
• Tender, juicy meatloaf that’s full of flavor.
• Finished with a rich caramelized glaze made with Browning’s Honey.
• Perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or leftovers.
• Even better the next day for sandwiches and meal prep.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Browning’s Clover Honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Honey BBQ Glaze

• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup Browning’s Clover Honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if shaping the meatloaf by hand.

Step 2 – Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, Browning’s Honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Mix gently with your hands or a large spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3 – Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Step 4 – Make the Honey BBQ Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Browning’s Honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Step 5 – Glaze & Finish Baking

After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the Honey BBQ glaze evenly over the top.

Return it to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

If you’d like a slightly stickier glaze, brush on another thin layer during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6 – Rest & Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.

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Pro Tips

• Mix the ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender. Overmixing can make it firm and dense.
• Finely dice the onion so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the meatloaf.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F without overcooking.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to help it retain its juices.
• For extra caramelization, brush on a second layer of glaze during the last few minutes of baking.

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Variations

• Bacon-Wrapped Honey BBQ Meatloaf
  • Wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking for an extra smoky, savory flavor and an impressive presentation.
• Hot Honey BBQ Meatloaf
  • Substitute Browning’s Hot Honey or add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf
  • Add a layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the center before shaping the loaf for a cheesy surprise.
• Mini Honey BBQ Meatloaves
  • Divide the mixture into individual mini loaves or muffin tins to reduce cooking time and create perfect single servings.

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Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze individual slices or the entire cooked meatloaf in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through, or microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals.

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Serving Suggestions

This Honey BBQ Meatloaf pairs perfectly with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Honey butter roasted carrots
• Green beans
• Sweet corn
• Macaroni and cheese
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Coleslaw

Leftover slices also make incredible meatloaf sandwiches on toasted sourdough with extra Honey BBQ glaze.

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Why Use Honey?

Honey provides natural sweetness while adding rich flavor and helping create a beautifully caramelized glaze that perfectly complements the smoky barbecue sauce and savory seasonings.

Want to learn more about cooking and baking with honey? The National Honey Board offers helpful tips on using honey in beverages, baking, and everyday recipes.

Learn more: https://www.honey.com/

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Share Your Creation

Tag @BrowningsHoney on social media and use #BrowningsHoney so we can feature your creations. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a review and share it with family and friends.

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About Browning’s Honey

For more than 100 years, Browning’s Honey has been producing pure American honey. Our family has spent five generations caring for bees, supporting agriculture through pollination, and sharing the natural goodness of honey.

Whether you’re baking, grilling, creating refreshing drinks, or preparing savory family meals, we’re honored to be part of your kitchen.

Shop Browning’s Honey for pure, natural honey that’s perfect for every recipe.

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