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Barbecue Meatloaf

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a twist on a classic comfort food favorite: Barbecue Meatloaf. This mouthwatering dish combines the savory goodness of traditional meatloaf with the bold and tangy flavors of barbecue sauce, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or planning a weekend dinner feast, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create the ultimate Barbecue Meatloaf, complete with expert tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result every time. Let’s fire up the oven and get ready to enjoy a deliciously comforting meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

In this recipe, we’re taking the classic meatloaf and giving it a flavorful twist with the addition of barbecue sauce. This simple yet ingenious combination adds depth and richness to the meatloaf, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness. The savory blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices is complemented perfectly by the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the glaze of barbecue sauce on top adds a caramelized finish that’s irresistible. Whether you’re a meatloaf aficionado or new to the dish, this Barbecue Meatloaf is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen!

barbecue meatloaf

Barbecue Meatloaf

With winter quickly approaching we are diving back into our comfort classic recipes that my family loves but barbecue meatloaf hits any time of the year. This barbecue meatloaf has been a family favorite for a long time. This meatloaf is so good thanks to the delicious flavor that is in every single bite. It is a go to meal on busy nights in our house because it is so easy to throw together. 

Barbecue Meatloaf

Serve it with Instant Pot mashed potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a comfort dish the whole family will love. 

Barbecue Meatloaf

So grab your apron, and get ready to whip up this soon to be family favorite barbecue meatloaf tonight. 

Barbecue Meatloaf

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup milk

1/4 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:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

How to Make Barbecue Meatloaf

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.
  • 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 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  • About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the barbecue glaze over the top. This will create a nice caramelized finish.
Barbecue Meatloaf
  • 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.
Barbecue Meatloaf

Tips & Tricks For Making Barbecue Meatloaf

  • Add Moisture: To ensure a moist and tender meatloaf, add ingredients like milk, eggs, or even grated vegetables such as carrots or zucchini. These ingredients add moisture and prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry.
  • Incorporate Binders: Binders like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers help hold the meatloaf together. Mix them gently into the meat mixture, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense loaf.
  • Shape Loaf Properly: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape that is uniform in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and a more attractive presentation.
  • Add Barbecue Sauce: Brushing barbecue sauce on top of the meatloaf adds flavor and creates a delicious glaze. You can also mix barbecue sauce into the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. This helps prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when sliced.
  • Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into even slices. A serrated knife works well for cutting through the crusty exterior and tender interior.
  • Serve with Extra Sauce: Serve the meatloaf with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the slices. This adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Barbecue Meatloaf

Storage

Placer your leftover barbecue meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep for up to 4 days.

Barbecue Meatloaf

FAQs about making Barbecue Meatloaf

To prevent sticking, line the baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil before shaping and baking the meatloaf. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or oil.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can fully bake the meatloaf, allow it to cool, then refrigerate or freeze it. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

Allow any leftover meatloaf to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Barbecue Meatloaf

Freezer

To freeze, let your meatloaf completely cool. Once cooled, slice your meatloaf and wrap individual slides in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge. 

Barbecue Meatloaf
barbecue meatloaf
Barbecue Meatloaf

Barbecue Meatloaf

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Savor the smokey richness of this barbecue meatloaf recipe that combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings that is then topped with an irresistible barbecue glaze that is then baked to perfection for about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf:
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 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:
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.
  3. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. Make sure the loaf is compact and evenly shaped.
  4. 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.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  6. About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the barbecue glaze over the top. This will create a nice caramelized finish.
  7. 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.

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