We love putting a twist on classic comfort food and this Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf does that in the most delicious way. We pair sweet blackberries with savory hoisin sauce for a flavor that intrigues and delights the senses.
It’s an easy dinner that pleases the crowd and it’s versatile enough for a busy weeknight or a special gathering. We can change up the toppings and sides to match the season or our mood while still enjoying the satisfying balance of sweet and savory.
Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup mashed blackberries
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat our oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef mashed blackberries onion garlic and ginger in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Add hoisin sauce bread crumbs and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Use our hands to blend everything gently.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
- Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The meatloaf usually takes 45 to 50 minutes to cook thoroughly.
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 10 minutes |
| Bake meatloaf | 45 to 50 minutes |
Ingredients
Meatloaf Components
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (mashed or pureed)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons onion (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Hoisin Blackberry Glaze
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh blackberries (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Equipment
We rely on a few dependable tools for a seamless cooking experience. Let us gather them before we begin.
Essential Tools
- A large mixing bowl for combining the meatloaf ingredients
- A heavy-duty loaf pan or baking dish to shape and bake our Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf
- A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for thorough mixing
- A cutting board and sharp knife for chopping onions and mincing garlic
- A kitchen thermometer to check that our meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe consumption
Instructions
Here is our step-by-step guide for our Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf. We follow each section carefully for a moist and flavorful result.
Prep
We preheat our oven to 350°F. We lightly grease a heavy-duty loaf pan or baking dish. We gather fresh blackberries and all other ingredients. We place our cutting board and knife nearby for the onion and garlic.
Mix The Meatloaf
We add the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. We include the mashed blackberries and hoisin sauce, followed by breadcrumbs and the egg. We stir in minced onion and minced garlic. We sprinkle on salt and pepper. We use a sturdy spatula or our hands to blend everything until the mixture is well combined.
Glaze And Assemble
We prepare our Hoisin Blackberry Glaze in a small bowl by whisking together hoisin sauce, mashed blackberries, soy sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger. We form our meat mixture into a loaf shape in the greased pan. We spoon about half of the glaze over the top. We reserve the rest for brushing later.
Bake
We place our meatloaf in the preheated oven. We let it bake until cooked through. We usually check at 45 minutes. We brush on the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking. We ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F before removing the loaf.
| Baking Details | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 350°F | 45–50 minutes |
| Internal Meatloaf Temperature | 160°F | N/A |
Serving Suggestions
We like to slice our Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf and serve it with roasted vegetables mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. The sweet and savory glaze pairs nicely with simple sides that highlight the rich flavors of the meatloaf. We often garnish each slice with extra hoisin drizzle or a sprinkling of fresh blackberries for a touch of color. For a bit of crunch we add toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top. Below are a few side dish ideas we recommend:
| Side Dish | Cooking Method | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Carrots & Onions | Toss with olive oil and seasonings then roast at 400°F | 20–25 |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Boil peeled potatoes and mash with butter and garlic | 15–20 |
| Sauteed Green Beans | Cook beans with olive oil and minced garlic in a skillet | 8–10 |
We also enjoy turning leftover slices into sandwiches topped with extra Blackberry Hoisin Glaze. This transforms the meatloaf into a quick lunch or an easy weeknight meal.
Make Ahead And Storage
We can prep the meatloaf mixture in advance before baking. We measure and mix the ground beef mashed blackberries hoisin sauce breadcrumbs egg onion and garlic as outlined. We shape the loaf then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. We store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors develop even more.
We can also prepare the Hoisin Blackberry Glaze a day early. We whisk the hoisin sauce mashed blackberries soy sauce brown sugar and grated ginger. We then store the glaze in a sealed container in the refrigerator so it is ready to spoon on top.
When we are ready to bake we remove the loaf from the fridge. We uncover it then let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. We bake as usual ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Leftovers maintain flavor and moisture when stored properly. Once cooled we slice any remaining portions and transfer them to an airtight container. We place them in the refrigerator or freezer. For extended storage we wrap each slice individually to preserve taste and texture.
Below is a handy reference for safe storage:
| Method | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
We reheat portions in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated all the way through. We like to slap a spoonful of leftover Hoisin Blackberry Glaze on top before warming so the sweet and savory flavors remain bold.
Conclusion
We love how Blackberry Hoisin Meatloaf transforms a classic staple into a sweet and savory delight that fits any occasion. Our friends often find it a welcome change from the usual weeknight fare and a great conversation starter at gatherings. We hope this dish brings a burst of flavor to your table and inspires playful customization. If you have any leftover glaze store it in an airtight container for next time. Remember to serve it with sides that highlight its unique flavors. We can’t wait for you to enjoy this delicious creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
You can mix the meatloaf ingredients up to a day in advance and refrigerate. This allows flavors to blend so the dish tastes even better when baked. You can also prepare the Hoisin Blackberry Glaze ahead and store it in a sealed container. When ready to cook, simply shape, top with glaze, and bake.
How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a kitchen thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures the meatloaf is safe to eat. Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part for an accurate reading.
What if I don’t have ground beef?
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be mindful that leaner meats may need a splash of extra moisture, like a bit of broth, to keep the meatloaf juicy. Adjust cooking times if needed, and still confirm an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I omit the blackberries?
Yes, but the dish won’t have the same sweet tang. If fresh blackberries aren’t available, consider raspberry preserves or another fruit puree for a similar flavor balance. Experiment to find what suits your taste best.
What sides pair well with this meatloaf?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and simple salads all taste great with this sweet and savory meatloaf. The rich glaze also goes well with fluffy rice, sautéed green beans, or a bright coleslaw. Mix and match sides to suit your preference or whatever produce is in season.
How do I store leftovers?
Slice the remaining meatloaf and place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze slices for up to three months. When reheating, add a spoonful of leftover glaze or a touch of sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.