BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
An easy, no-fail BBQ Meatloaf Recipe made simple and delicious! This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Loaded with smoky spices and topped with a sweet and sticky BBQ Sauce glaze, it’s sure to impress your guests. The combination of flavors makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion, from weeknight meals to special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meatloaf ready to bake.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving at potlucks or as a comforting weeknight meal; it pairs well with various sides.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This BBQ Meatloaf is loved by both kids and adults, making it a family favorite.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices or sauces according to your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best BBQ Meatloaf Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Rimmed sheet pan
- Aluminum foil (preferably nonstick)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Rimmed sheet pan: This keeps juices contained while baking, preventing messes in your oven.
- Aluminum foil: Using nonstick foil helps with easier cleanup and prevents the meatloaf from sticking.
Ingredients
An easy, no-fail BBQ Meatloaf Recipe made simple and delicious! Loaded with smoky spices and tons of flavor, and topped with a sweet and sticky BBQ Sauce glaze.
For the Meatloaf
- 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted liquid smoke
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
For the Glaze
- 2/3 cup thick, sweet BBQ Sauce (separated)
How to Make BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a rimmed sheet pan by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to combine the following ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
– 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture:
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted liquid smoke
Mix until everything is combined thoroughly.
Step 4: Incorporate Ground Beef and Onion
Add in:
– 2 pounds of ground beef
– 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
Combine using your hands until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer the mixture onto your prepared sheet pan. Shape it into a narrow loaf; remember that it will spread as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake with BBQ Sauce
Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. After this period, remove from the oven and carefully pour over the remaining sauce. Return it to bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious BBQ Meatloaf!
How to Serve BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
Serving your BBQ Meatloaf is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful meal experience. Here are some creative suggestions for serving this delicious dish.
Classic Comfort
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional side that pairs perfectly with meatloaf, soaking up any extra BBQ sauce.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
Unique Pairings
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the smoky flavors of the meatloaf while adding a refreshing crunch.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a delightful addition that balances out the savory meatloaf.
Hearty Additions
- Baked Beans: Rich and sweet baked beans make for a satisfying side that echoes the BBQ style of the meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can add both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Fun Extras
- Pickles: Adding pickles on the side offers a zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
- BBQ Sauce Drizzle: Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick!
How to Perfect BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
To achieve the best results with your BBQ Meatloaf, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Don’t shy away from spices; they enhance flavors and make your meatloaf stand out.
- Moisture matters: Ensure not to overmix the meat; this keeps it tender and juicy.
- Rest before slicing: Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute, preventing dry slices.
- Use a thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it’s cooked properly without being overdone.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
Pairing your BBQ Meatloaf with great side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some top choices that complement its rich flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the meatloaf.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort and works well with the smoky taste of meatloaf.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad adds creaminess and is ideal for warm weather meals.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and balances richness in the meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to savory flavors, making every bite interesting.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky grilled corn enhances barbecue themes while adding sweetness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your BBQ Meatloaf Recipe, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Using too much liquid: Adding too much milk or sauce can make the meatloaf soggy. Stick to the amounts specified in the recipe for best results.
- Not mixing thoroughly: Failing to mix the ingredients well can lead to uneven flavor. Be sure to combine everything fully, especially when adding ground beef.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the meatloaf right away can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing for better structure.
- Overbaking the meatloaf: Cooking it for too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Skipping the glaze: Not topping with BBQ sauce means missing out on flavor. Always add a generous layer of sauce before baking for that sweet, sticky finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ meatloaf in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; it will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to this BBQ Meatloaf Recipe.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in this BBQ Meatloaf Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned since turkey is milder in flavor.
How do I know when my BBQ meatloaf is done?
You can check by inserting a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked.
What can I serve with BBQ Meatloaf?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I customize the BBQ Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or switch up spices according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Meatloaf Recipe is both comforting and satisfying. Its smoky flavors and sweet glaze make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or side dishes to suit your taste!
BBQ Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy BBQ Meatloaf Recipe, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This no-fail dish is bursting with smoky spices and topped with a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce glaze that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, this flavor-packed meatloaf satisfies everyone from kids to adults. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2/3 cup thick BBQ sauce (divided)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted liquid smoke
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and spices.
- Add milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke; mix well.
- Incorporate ground beef and onion until combined. Shape into a loaf on the sheet pan.
- Pour half the BBQ sauce over the meatloaf; bake for 35 minutes.
- Add remaining sauce and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Allow resting for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
