BBQ Meatloaf
This BBQ Meatloaf takes classic comfort food and gives it a smoky, sweet upgrade! It’s seriously the best meatloaf I’ve ever made! With a tangy BBQ sauce glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, this isn’t your typical meatloaf recipe!
Are you looking for more incredible dinner recipes? Try our Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins, or Meatball Casserole.
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Forget everything you think you know about boring meatloaf. This version gets brushed with a homemade BBQ glaze that creates the most incredible caramelized crust while keeping the inside incredibly tender!
The secret ingredient? Milk-soaked bread crumbs and the perfect blend of seasonings that make every bite absolutely delicious. It’s taken our traditional meatloaf to the next level!
What you’ll love about this BBQ Meatloaf recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make the most amazing Best Meatloaf Recipe:
- For the Meatloaf:
- Ground beef – 2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Plain breadcrumbs- You can use Gluten-free also.
- Whole milk
- Large eggs, beaten
- Yellow onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Barbecue sauce- I used Kraft original, but use your favorite sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For the BBQ Glaze:
- Barbecue sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend is perfect for meatloaf, it has enough fat to keep it moist but not so much that it’s greasy. Avoid lean meats for this recipe as they’ll be too dry.
- Breadcrumbs and Milk: This combination creates incredibly tender meatloaf. You could also use cracker crumbs or even fresh bread processed in a food processor.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoke element that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. You could also add a drop of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor.
- Onions: White onions or sweet onion work great, but yellow onion is my go-to choice.
How to make BBQ Meatloaf step-by-step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (degrees F). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
STEP 2: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
STEP 3: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined (don’t over mix) to create your meatloaf mixture.
STEP 4: Let the mixture rest in the bowl for 10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the moisture and helps the loaf hold together better. Press mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
STEP 5: For the glaze: Whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
STEP 6: Brush half of the BBQ glaze over the top of the meatloaf and sides.
STEP 7: Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze on the top of the loaf and bake for another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Check with an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
STEP 8: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is a very moist meatloaf, so the resting time is especially important for clean cuts using a sharp knife.
PRO TIP:
Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture! This is the biggest mistake people make with meatloaf. Mix just until everything comes together, over mixing creates a dense, tough texture. Also, letting it rest after baking is crucial for clean individual slices. This is the best way to get great results every time!
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.Leftover meatloaf makes amazing sandwiches the next day!
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying out. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave.
Freezing: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for different flavors. A little honey in the glaze adds extra sweetness.
- Bacon: Wrap the meatloaf in bacon strips before baking for extra richness.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Ground Meat: Use a mix of ground beef and pork, or try ground turkey for a lighter option (though it may be less moist).
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well as substitutes.
- Milk: Buttermilk or even beef broth can be used instead of regular milk.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand make your own homemade version. Skip the traditional ketchup glaze for this BBQ version.
FAQs about Barbeque Meatloaf Recipes:
Why do I need to let the breadcrumbs soak in milk?
The milk softens the breadcrumbs, which helps create a tender, moist texture. This step is key to avoiding a dense, dry meatloaf. It’s the easiest way to ensure perfect results.
Can I make this in a loaf pan instead?
This recipe is designed for a 9×5-inch loaf pan, not a sheet pan. But if you want to make it free-form on a rimmed baking sheet, instead of a loaf shape, the cooking time will be shorter (about 50-55 minutes total) and you’ll get nice caramelized edges.
Why use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup?
BBQ sauce adds so much more flavor than traditional ketchup! The smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors complement the beef perfectly. Plus, the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that gorgeous glaze you see on the outside.
Do I need to cover my meatloaf while baking?
No, this recipe bakes uncovered the entire time. Baking it uncovered allows the BBQ glaze to caramelize and form that delicious crust on top. If you cover it, you’ll miss out on that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Is this better than other meatloaf recipes?
In my humble opinion, this smoked barbecue meatloaf beats any classic meatloaf recipe! The BBQ glaze gives it the best flavor and makes it a delicious option for family dinner. It’s become one of my favorite things to make! It’s so yummy!
What can I serve with this Meatloaf with BBQ sauce?
Serve this hearty meal with mashed potatoes, herb roasted potatoes, or green beans. Mac and cheese and cornbread also make excellent sides for this favorite comfort food. It’s also the best meatloaf recipe for feeding a crowd!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this BBQ Meatloaf! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! Whether it’s your first time or second time making this, I know it’ll become your new favorite meatloaf recipe. I made this last night and it was even better than I remembered! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin
BBQ Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 3/4 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.1 3/4 cups plain breadcrumbs,1/3 cup whole milk.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined (don't over mix) to create the meatloaf mixture.2 pounds ground beef,2 large egg,1/2 cup yellow onion,2 cloves garlic,1/4 cup barbecue sauce,2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce,1 tablespoon brown sugar,1 teaspoon smoked paprika,1 teaspoon salt,1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Let the mixture rest in the bowl for 10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the moisture and helps the loaf hold together better.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top and compacting it well.
- For the glaze: Whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.3/4 cup barbecue sauce,2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar,1 tablespoon brown sugar,1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Brush half of the BBQ glaze over the top of the meatloaf and sides.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze on the top of the loaf and bake for another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Check with an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Loved this recipe, one of the best meatloaves!