This BBQ Glazed Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic comfort food. It features a juicy loaf packed with tasty ground meat and topped with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce!
Who doesn’t love a meal that brings back childhood memories? Honestly, I could eat this every week—plus, it’s great as leftovers for sandwiches! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a juicy meatloaf. If you’d like, you can switch this for 90% lean, but you may miss out on some moisture. You could also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Ground Pork: Adding ground pork is great for extra juiciness, but it’s optional. If you don’t have any, just increase the amount of ground beef instead. Or, consider using ground chicken if you want a different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but you can substitute with crushed crackers or even almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just watch the quantity, as almond flour is more absorbent.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will shine here! If you’re short on time, store-bought works like a charm. For a homemade option, mix ketchup with a dash of vinegar, honey, and spices.
How Do You Avoid a Dry Meatloaf?
Creating a moist meatloaf is key, and here’s how to achieve that:
- Use Milk: Adding milk not only adds moisture but also helps to bind the ingredients. You can replace it with vegetable broth for a dairy-free version.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
- Add Veggies: Including finely chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, can boost moisture and flavor.
- Rest After Baking: Letting the meatloaf rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy when you slice it.
These tips will help you create a delicious BBQ Glazed Meatloaf that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- ½ pound ground pork (optional, for juiciness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for glaze)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Optional: sliced cucumbers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Glazed Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to cook. Plus, let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain its juices. So you’ll be enjoying your delicious dinner in about 1 hour and 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a loaf pan or you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, any ground pork if you’re using it, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently but thoroughly. Just remember, don’t overmix or your meatloaf might turn out dense!
3. Shape the Mixture:
Once mixed, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape or press it into your prepared loaf pan evenly. This helps the meatloaf cook uniformly.
4. Bake the Meatloaf:
Pop the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Glaze and Finish Baking:
After 1 hour, take the meatloaf out of the oven. Spread a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on top. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This will help the glaze stick and add a delicious shiny finish!
6. Let It Rest:
When it’s done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This is super important because it helps the juices settle so your meatloaf remains juicy when you slice it.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once rested, garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve it with sliced cucumbers or your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Glazed Meatloaf filled with rich flavors!
There you have it! A comforting and hearty BBQ Glazed Meatloaf that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef and Pork?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey for both the beef and pork! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little extra moisture, like an additional tablespoon of milk or a small amount of olive oil.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make your BBQ Glazed Meatloaf gluten-free, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Check your BBQ sauce label as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place slices in a microwave or warm it gently in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Freeze the Meatloaf Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf! Just shape it as instructed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as suggested. Add a little more time since it’s starting from frozen!