This BBQ glazed meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! With a hearty blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and your favorite BBQ sauce, it’s both tasty and easy to make.
Meatloaf can be a bit of a “love it or hate it” dish, but this BBQ glaze makes everyone a fan! I love serving it with mashed potatoes—such a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using ground beef gives a classic flavor, but you can easily mix in ground pork for extra tenderness. For a leaner version, try ground turkey or chicken, but be aware the texture will be different.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic add richness. If you’re short on time, onion powder or garlic powder can work too, but fresh ingredients are always best for flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but you could use crushed crackers, oats, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different texture. I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick!
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you love will do! You can make it a sweeter sauce or a tangy one, depending on your taste. If you don’t have any, try mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar and brown sugar for a quick substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf is Moist and Flavorful?
The key to moist meatloaf is proper mixing and baking time. Here’s how:
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps to retain moisture. Make sure they’re fully soaked before adding.
- Don’t overmix the meat; mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. Aim for 160°F for perfectly cooked meat!
- Let it rest before slicing—it keeps all those juices in!
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This delicious BBQ glazed meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, plus some resting time. In total, you should allow about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great dish for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk and set them aside. This helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Add BBQ Sauce:
Spread about half of the BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious coating during baking!
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Put the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for it to be fully cooked.
7. Glaze Before Serving:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the meatloaf to give it a beautiful, glossy glaze.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the sliced meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, for a complete meal.
Enjoy this smoky, tangy, and juicy BBQ glazed meatloaf that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground pork, turkey, or chicken as a substitute. Just keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey or chicken may yield a slightly drier meatloaf, so adding a bit more moisture might help.
How Can I Prevent My Meatloaf from Crumbling?
To prevent crumbling, make sure to include enough binding agents like soaked breadcrumbs and eggs. Mixing gently and not overworking the meat mixture is also key to keeping it together.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it right before baking. You can also bake it ahead and reheat it later—just cover it with foil to keep it moist!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of BBQ sauce to revive the moisture.
