Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2016

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf is a delightful meatloaf recipe that provides the pungency of vinegar and mustard along with the sweet taste by using either brown sugar or honey. Since I was trying to stay away from both flour and sugar when I made this recipe, I used 4C Brand Gluten Free bread crumbs along with honey instead of brown sugar in the sweet and sour sauce. I will say, I actually enjoy brown sugar better 🙁 but my body handles honey a lot better than sugar so that’s why I made this with honey instead. (It really is hard escaping my sweet tooth for sugar!)

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The first time I tasted this recipe was when friends had our family over for dinner back in the 90s. The hostess, Shirley, needed some accounting help from my husband, so we packed up our young children (at the time) and came over for dinner.

Her husband, Hoyt (now deceased), made this meatloaf along with a delicious Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie. Shirley made a Frozen Cranberry Salad and some other side veggie, like potatoes, as I recall. Our family loved the meal and requested recipes from just about everything we sampled. Hoyt’s meatloaf was something special.

This recipe is a little on the sweet side, and it makes a lot of sauce so you don’t have to pour all of it over top of the meatloaf before the final baking (like I did), unless you really want to. Also, you may want to decrease the granulated sugar or honey slightly if you prefer the sauce not quite as sweet. I also recommend using a 93% or 96% lean ground beef when making meatloaves or you have too much grease. Even still, you will have to drain the meatloaf a little before adding the Sweet and Sour Sauce at the end.

I loved being able to eat one of my favorite foods yet eliminating the gluten (regular bread crumbs) and sugar. For whatever reason my blood sugar spikes when I eat either. I usually have a difficult time sleeping on nights I eat either of these foods in anything. Plus, I start swelling internally everywhere.

I can feel it especially in my joints, so I aim to lay off the gluten and sugar whenever I possibly can. Some ingredients you just can’t tamper with or the results are disastrous. But with this recipe, you can make it with regular or gluten free bread crumbs and brown sugar and white sugar or honey. It comes out perfectly either way.

I served Sweet and Sour Meatloaf with Rosemary Potatoes. While we loved both recipes, I thought the meatloaf was a dandy of a recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf is mouthwatering.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

I served Sweet and Sour Meatloaf with Rosemary Potatoes and Green Beans.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

This delectable meatloaf is nice enough for company!

Here’s what I did.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

I used these ingredients for the meatloaf. 4C Brand now makes gluten free seasoned bread crumbs!

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Place lean ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add gluten free bread crumbs, eggs, dehydrated onion flakes, salt, pepper and part of the tomato sauce.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Mix ingredients with your hands until thoroughly mixed.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Spray an 8×12″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place meat mixture into dish and press down into the dish.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Bake meatloaf about 1 hour at 350. Drain any grease and pat dry the top if it appears greasy.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Meanwhile, place remaining tomato sauce in a small sauce pan. Add apple cider vinegar and mustard. 

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Add honey (or sugar + brown sugar), whichever you prefer. You may have to decrease the honey or sugar in the recipe because it is quite sweet.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Combine sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Turn off heat.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Pour sauce ingredients over top of meatloaf. (You do not have to add all of it like I did).

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Return meatloaf to oven and heat through with sauce about 5-10 minutes longer.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Garnish meatloaf with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired. Serve with Rosemary Potatoes and Green Beans, if desired.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Slice Sweet and Sour Meatloaf into individual servings and serve with your favorite sides. Rosemary Potatoes were also mouthwatering.

Here’s the recipe.

SWEET AND SOUR MEATLOAF

(Recipe adapted from Hoyt Huffman, Sudbury, MA)

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Teresa Ambra
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf is a classic! This delicious meatloaf has a zesty sweet and sour sauce providing a great twist and a classic favorite beef entree. Great for family dinners or company.. Gluten free.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Beef Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 284 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 8x12" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 small sauce pan
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

MEATLOAF:

  • 2 1/2 lbs. 93% or 96% lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free bread crumbs 4C brand makes these
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. instant minced onion flakes
  • 15 oz. can tomato sauce reserve half for topping

SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:

  • Reserved tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar packed, or honey
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey (I prefer using only 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tsp. prepared mustard

Instructions
 

MEATLOAF:

  • Mix together beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs.
  • Add onions and ½ of tomato sauce.
  • Form into loaf and put in sprayed loaf pan or 8x12" baking dish to bake.
  • Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
  • Drain off any grease.

SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:

  • In saucepan, combine topping ingredients including remaining tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.
  • Pour over cooked meat loaf; bake 10 minutes more.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe is very sweet. I recommend cutting the white sugar (or honey) down to 1/4 cup, especially if you prefer more of a tang with your meatloaf.
 
 
NOTE: It is not necessary to spoon all of the sauce over top of the meatloaf before the final baking. About half is all that's necessary.
 
 
NOTE: If your diet doesn't require you to abstain from sugar, I recommend using brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar. Or a combination of brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey rather than 100% honey.
 
 
NOTE: You do not need to use gluten free bread crumbs to make this meatloaf recipe. But seasoned crumbs are much better than plain.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 28gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 494mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 3mg
Keyword beef, casserole, gluten free, main dish, meatloaf
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Sweet and Sour Meatloaf[/b]
Recipe Type: Beef Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra – adapted from Hoyt Huffman, Sudbury, MA
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
This delicious meatloaf has a zesty sweet and sour sauce providing a great twist and a classic favorite beef entree. Gluten free.
Ingredients
  • [b]MEATLOAF:[/b][br]
  • 2 ½ lbs. 93% or 96% lean ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups [url href=”http://www.4cstore.com/category/gluten-free-crumbs” target=”_blank”]4C brand gluten free bread crumbs[/url]
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp. instant minced onion flakes
  • 15-oz. can tomato sauce (reserve half)[br]
  • [b]SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:[/b][br]
  • Reserved tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar (or honey)
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup sugar (or honey)
  • 2 tsp. prepared mustard
Instructions
[b]MEATLOAF:[/b][br]
  1. Mix together beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs.
  2. Add onions and ½ of tomato sauce.
  3. Form into loaf and put in sprayed loaf pan or 8×12″ baking dish to bake.
  4. Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
  5. Drain off any grease. [br]
[b]SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:[/b][br]
  1. In saucepan, combine topping ingredients, bring to a boil.
  2. Pour over meat loaf; bake 10 minutes more.
Notes
This recipe is very sweet. I recommend cutting the white sugar (or honey) down to 1/4 cup.[br][br]It is not necessary to spoon all of the sauce over top of the meatloaf before the final baking. About half is all that’s necessary.
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Every forkful is amazing.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Delectable.

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Pizza Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this jazzed up #meatloaf is spectacular & a family favorite. It's got an #Italian flare by adding #mozzallacheese & #spaghettisauce. It tastes like #pizza but in meatloaf form. Terrific weeknight dinner. #beef
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | I used #glutenfree breadcrumbs & honey instead of brown sugar making a healthier, #clean-eating #meatloaf that was delicious. #beef #casserole

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

Teresa Ambra
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf is a classic! This delicious meatloaf has a zesty sweet and sour sauce providing a great twist and a classic favorite beef entree. Great for family dinners or company.. Gluten free.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Beef Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 284 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 8×12" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 small sauce pan
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

MEATLOAF:

  • 2 1/2 lbs. 93% or 96% lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free bread crumbs 4C brand makes these
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. instant minced onion flakes
  • 15 oz. can tomato sauce reserve half for topping

SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:

  • Reserved tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar packed, or honey
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey (I prefer using only 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tsp. prepared mustard

Instructions
 

MEATLOAF:

  • Mix together beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs.
  • Add onions and ½ of tomato sauce.
  • Form into loaf and put in sprayed loaf pan or 8×12″ baking dish to bake.
  • Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
  • Drain off any grease.

SWEET AND SOUR TOPPING:

  • In saucepan, combine topping ingredients including remaining tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.
  • Pour over cooked meat loaf; bake 10 minutes more.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe is very sweet. I recommend cutting the white sugar (or honey) down to 1/4 cup, especially if you prefer more of a tang with your meatloaf.
 
 
NOTE: It is not necessary to spoon all of the sauce over top of the meatloaf before the final baking. About half is all that’s necessary.
 
 
NOTE: If your diet doesn’t require you to abstain from sugar, I recommend using brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar. Or a combination of brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey rather than 100% honey.
 
 
NOTE: You do not need to use gluten free bread crumbs to make this meatloaf recipe. But seasoned crumbs are much better than plain.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 28gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 494mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 3mg
Keyword beef, casserole, gluten free, main dish, meatloaf
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Comments

  • Sara Scruggs

    February 19, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for the recipe! I substituted ground turkey for the beef, as we try to avoid red meat. To me and my son’s girlfriend it was delicious. My husband thought it needed more sauce and my son didn’t like the sauce, lol. Guess you can’t please everyone all the time. Next time I will make it when my son has plans and mix up some extra sauce for my husband to have on the side.

    1. Teresa

      February 20, 2017 at 1:59 pm

      Hey Sara. You may also want to use just brown sugar instead of the honey. They may like the sauce better that way. Doctor up the sauce the way your family likes it and try it again! 🙂

  • Rosemary Potatoes – Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

    May 16, 2016 at 10:35 am

    […] Potatoes are great as a side dish for almost any kind of meat or […]

  • Kim Lange

    April 8, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Oh my does that look tasty! Love meatloaf and this is mouth-watering Teresa! What time’s dinner? 😉

    1. Teresa

      April 9, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Thanks, Kim. Ha, ha, ha! You and your family ever get down to the DFW area and I’ll be glad to have you over for supper. 🙂

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