BBQ Meatloaf
This BBQ meatloaf is a great twist on classic meatloaf. It has a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully and is sure to become a family favorite.
BBQ Meatloaf
This BBQ meatloaf is packed with flavor from garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, and topped with a tangy barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
You'll love serving this as a hearty meal for a family dinner or when you're craving something cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ground beef: Look for 80/20 ground beef.
Breadcrumbs: Using plain or seasoned breadcrumbs works well.
Onion: If you're not a fan of raw onion, try sautéing it first to soften the flavor.
Milk: We use whole milk.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together.
Seasonings: We used dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brown sugar: This is used in the glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: This adds a bit of tang to the glaze.
How to Make
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, barbecue sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf and place it in the prepared baking dish.
Make sure the loaf is compact and evenly shaped to make sure it cooks through.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the meatloaf.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the glaze generously over the top to create a caramelized finish.
Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
This resting time allows the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Tricks
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add Veggies: Add in finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure the meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Leftovers/Storage
If you have any leftovers, after it cools to room temperature either cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
For reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the slices in a covered baking dish for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
What to Serve with BBQ Meatloaf
Here's some of our favorites to serve with this meatloaf:
Mashed Potatoes: A classic meatloaf side dish.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Coleslaw: Makes a great side dish for meatloaf.
Cornbread
Roasted Potatoes: An easy side that pairs well.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side that kids and adults love.
Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.2 pounds ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 small onion, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, 1 egg, 1 Tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and black pepper
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. Make sure the loaf is compact and evenly shaped.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the meatloaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.½ cup barbecue sauce, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the barbecue glaze over the top. This will create a nice caramelized finish.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier slicing.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.