BBQ Meatloaf is a mouthwatering comfort dish that marries the traditional flavors of meatloaf with a smoky, tangy BBQ glaze. It’s an easy-to-make meal that offers hearty satisfaction while being ideal for weeknight dinners or a weekend feast. Below is a detailed recipe breakdown, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your BBQ meatloaf comes out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for optimal juiciness)
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs (soaked in milk)
- ½ cup diced yellow or white onion
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon meatloaf seasoning (optional)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
BBQ Glaze:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for extra smokiness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes until they soften. This will help keep your meatloaf moist and tender.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, diced onion, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasoning. Mix everything gently with your hands, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed without over-mixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape and Bake: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes before removing it from the oven to apply the first layer of BBQ glaze.
- Add BBQ Glaze: After 30 minutes of baking, brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes. Apply more BBQ glaze halfway through the second bake for a more pronounced flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Once fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C), remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender loaf.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Use the Right Meat: For the best results, use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. This ensures the meatloaf remains juicy without becoming greasy. You can also opt for a combination of beef and pork for extra flavor.
- BBQ Glaze: When selecting a BBQ sauce, go for a thicker, sweet sauce, as it adheres better to the meatloaf. Thin, watery sauces tend to run off during baking.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently mixing the ingredients prevents the meatloaf from becoming tough. Incorporating too much air or compacting the meat can lead to a dense final product.
- Resting Period: Always let the meatloaf rest after baking. This is crucial to lock in the juices and maintain a moist texture.
Variations:
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, try adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the center of the meatloaf before baking. This adds a gooey surprise when sliced.
- Spicy BBQ Glaze: If you like heat, use a spicier BBQ sauce or add a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to the glaze. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the smoky flavors.
- Stuffed Meatloaf: For something different, consider stuffing your meatloaf with sautéed vegetables or even a layer of mashed potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
By following these steps, you can create a BBQ meatloaf that’s not only easy to make but also flavorful and impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a meatloaf lover, this recipe brings out the best of both worlds!
