Name: BBQ Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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BBQ Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, made with juicy ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a sweet, smoky barbecue glaze. It’s tender on the inside, coated in sticky BBQ sauce on the outside, and baked to perfection. This is the kind of meal I make when I want something hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the barbecue sauce adds a smoky-sweet kick that makes this meatloaf anything but boring. It’s easy to throw together, bakes up beautifully, and goes with just about any side—mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, you name it. The glaze caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding extra flavor and texture to every slice. BBQ Meatloaf

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (80/20 for best texture)
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Breadcrumbs
Milk
Egg
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Your favorite BBQ sauce (divided—some for the mix, some for the glaze)
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
In a large bowl, I mix the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, paprika, and a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce.
I gently combine the mixture by hand until it’s evenly mixed, being careful not to overwork it.
I form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
I brush the top with a generous layer of BBQ sauce.
I bake it for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
In the last 10 minutes, I brush on another layer of BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish.
I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including rest time. It’s great for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in turkey for a different texture. I’ve also added shredded cheese to the center or a dash of hot sauce for heat. If I want extra crunch, I top it with crispy onions during the last few minutes of baking. For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I slice it and warm it in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, or in the microwave. It also freezes well—just wrap slices individually and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. BBQ Meatloaf

FAQs

Can I make BBQ meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it ahead of time. I store it in the fridge, covered, and bake it when ready.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

I use whatever I have on hand, but I prefer a thick, smoky-sweet style. Honey BBQ and hickory BBQ both work great.

Why did my meatloaf fall apart?

It’s usually because there’s not enough binder (like breadcrumbs or egg). I make sure to measure those correctly and avoid overmixing.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes, I’ve done that too. Just be aware that the loaf pan may cause the meatloaf to steam slightly, so it won’t get quite as crisp around the edges.

What can I serve with BBQ meatloaf?

I like it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted green beans, or baked mac and cheese. It also makes fantastic leftovers in sandwiches.

Conclusion

BBQ Meatloaf is a simple, comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. I love how easy it is to make and how it turns out juicy and tender every time. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for a cozy dinner, this BBQ version of a classic always hits the mark.

BBQ Meatloaf

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BBQ Meatloaf is a hearty comfort-food classic with a smoky-sweet twist. Made with juicy ground beef, savory seasonings, and topped with a sticky barbecue glaze, this tender meatloaf is baked to perfection and loved by the whole family.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top with half of the remaining BBQ sauce.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
During the last 10 minutes, brush with remaining BBQ sauce for a caramelized glaze.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.