BBQ Meatloaf
A quintessential American comfort food, this juicy, tender meatloaf is packed with savory flavors and slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce glaze. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating an irresistible crust. A family favorite that's surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat oven and prepare pan.
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or for a crispier crust, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics.
- b.Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine the meatloaf mixture.
- b.In a large mixing bowl, place the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- c.Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture along with 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce.
- d.Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense meatloaf.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape and bake the meatloaf.
- b.Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and gently pat it into an even layer.
- c.If using a baking sheet, shape the mixture into a free-form loaf approximately 9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
- d.Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Apply glaze and finish baking.
- b.After 40 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- c.Brush or spread the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.
- d.Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest before serving.
- b.Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes.
- c.This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice that holds its shape.
- d.Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan, slice, and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a moister meatloaf, use ground beef with a higher fat content like 80/20 or 85/15.
- 2Do not overmix the meat mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender texture.
- 3Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial. Slicing it too early will cause it to fall apart and lose its juices.
- 4For a crispier exterior, bake the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan.
- 5Sautéing the onions before adding them to the mix mellows their flavor and adds a deeper, sweeter note.
- 6For individual portions, bake the meatloaf mixture in a muffin tin. Reduce the total baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy BBQ Meatloaf
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 finely chopped jalapeño (seeds removed) to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy MeatloafCheesy Meatloaf
Mix 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the meat mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
Turkey MeatloafTurkey Meatloaf
Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. Be sure to use ground turkey with some fat (93/7) to prevent it from drying out.
Bacon Wrapped MeatloafBacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Drape several strips of bacon over the top of the loaf before baking for extra flavor and moisture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This meatloaf provides a significant amount of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells that transport oxygen, helping to prevent fatigue and anemia.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a great source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of DNA and red blood cells. It also contains niacin (B3) and B6, which help convert food into energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this BBQ Meatloaf contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground beef and the type of BBQ sauce used.