Description
This Savory BBQ Meatloaf is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Made with a blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a sweet BBQ sauce glaze, it bakes to juicy perfection with a crispy, saucy top layer. Easy to prepare and ideal for serving 8, it’s a classic meal that delivers hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 cup Plain dried breadcrumbs (Use panko for extra texture.)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Substitute with sea salt if necessary.)
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder (Adjust for desired spice level.)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Can be substituted with white pepper.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin (Substitute with smoked paprika for variation.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Fresh onions can be used, adjust moisture.)
- 1 cup Milk (2% or whole) (Can replace with non-dairy milk or broth.)
- 1 large egg (beaten) (Flax egg can be used for a vegan option.)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Soy sauce is a possible substitute.)
- 1 teaspoon Unsalted liquid smoke (Omit if unavailable.)
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef (Ground turkey can work for a leaner option.)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely minced) (Can substitute with shallots or green onions.)
BBQ Topping
- 1 cup Thick, sweet BBQ sauce (Homemade sauce can be used for a personalized touch.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a rimmed sheet pan lined with nonstick foil to catch drips and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the plain dried breadcrumbs, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a fork to mix evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, and unsalted liquid smoke until the mixture is well blended and cohesive.
- Incorporate Meat and Onion: Gently add the ground beef and finely minced yellow onion to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and shape it into a narrow loaf shape, about 8 to 10 inches long.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Bake: Pour half of the thick, sweet BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Apply Remaining Sauce and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and flavors to meld.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes after baking. This resting period helps retain juices when slicing. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a leaner meatloaf, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter texture, while regular breadcrumbs make the loaf denser.
- If unavailable, liquid smoke can be omitted or replaced with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Fresh minced garlic and onion can be used in place of garlic and onion powders—adjust liquid ingredients accordingly.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures juicy, well-formed slices.
- For a vegan version, use flax egg, plant-based milk, and a vegan Worcestershire sauce alternative.
