Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard
A moist elk meatloaf sweetened with honey and accented with fresh sage and tangy Dijon mustard for a rich, savory centerpiece. This american-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs ground elk, breadcrumbs, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground elk
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, soak 3/4 cup breadcrumbs in 1/2 cup milk for 5 minutes until absorbed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground elk, soaked breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. After 45 minutes, brush this glaze evenly over the meatloaf and return to oven.
- Step 5: Bake an additional 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and glaze is caramelized. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground elk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Glazed Elk Meatloaf with Sage and Mustard?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
