I know many of you love a good, comforting meatloaf dinner. It’s a classic family meal that always hits the spot. Today, I’m sharing two exciting meatloaf ideas that will make your dinner table extra special.
These recipes are simple to follow and bring something new to a familiar favorite. You’ll find a sweet and tangy option, and another with a bit of spice and cheese. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard Meatloaf
This meatloaf takes a beloved dish and gives it a wonderful sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that everyone at your table will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- The Glaze is Key: Don’t skip brushing on the honey mustard glaze. It caramelizes beautifully and adds so much great taste.
- Gentle Mixing: When you mix your meatloaf ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, and we want it tender.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 is great)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Glaze: 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 mins, Cook 45-50 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, salt, and pepper until just mixed. Don’t overmix.
Step 2: Form and Glaze
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Brush about half of this glaze over the top of your meatloaf.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
Bake for 30 minutes. Take it out of the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and then bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
📝 Final Note
You can make this meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Spicy & Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Meatloaf
If you love the creaminess and kick of jalapeno poppers, you’ll really like this meatloaf. It’s a fun and flavorful version of a classic, with a cheesy, spicy center.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Seed Your Jalapenos: To control the spice, remove the seeds and white membranes from your fresh jalapenos. If you like it hotter, leave some in!
- Cream Cheese Softness: Make sure your cream cheese is soft at room temperature. This helps it mix smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Filling: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 medium jalapenos (finely diced, seeds removed), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
⏱️ Time: Prep 20 mins, Cook 50-55 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Meatloaf Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is just combined.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these together until they are evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Spread half of the meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over it, leaving a small border. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, sealing the edges. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
For an extra crispy top, you can sprinkle a little more cheddar cheese on top for the last 10 minutes of baking.