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Two slices of BBQ Meatloaf on a plate, served with green beans and mashed potatoes. In the background, there’s another plate with similar food and a bowl of corn.

BBQ Meatloaf

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
This BBQ Meatloaf takes classic comfort food and gives it a smoky, sweet upgrade! It's the best meatloaf I've ever made and you're going to love it! With a tangy BBQ sauce glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, this isn't your typical traditional meatloaf recipe.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 377.6 kcal

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 9x5-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

NOTE: 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 - overmixing creates a dense, tough texture. Also, letting it rest after baking is crucial for clean individual slices. In my humble opinion, this is the best way to get perfect results every time.

Nutrition

Calories: 377.6kcalCarbohydrates: 20.3gProtein: 20.3gFat: 23.3gSaturated Fat: 8.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.1gTrans Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 81.7mgSodium: 802.6mgPotassium: 471.1mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 16.2gVitamin A: 224.4IUVitamin C: 1.7mgCalcium: 57.4mgIron: 2.8mg
Keyword BBQ, comfort food, ground beef
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