This BBQ Glazed Meatloaf is a cozy dish that brings comfort food to your table! With a sweet and smoky sauce on top, it’s perfect for a family dinner.
Making meatloaf can be a fun activity, especially when the kids help mix the ingredients. Plus, who can resist that tasty glaze? Leftovers are great for sandwiches too! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for a balanced flavor and good moisture. You can swap it with ground turkey for a lighter option, but keep in mind it might be less juicy.
Ground Pork or Veal: This adds richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground chicken or turkey works too, but may make the meatloaf drier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Onion: A finely chopped medium onion brings sweetness and depth. If you prefer a milder flavor, use shallots or green onions instead. You can also try leeks for a unique twist!
Carrots: They add moisture and sweetness to the meatloaf. Grated zucchini can be a nice alternative, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy loaf.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you want to make it healthier or have dietary restrictions, you can whip up a homemade sauce with simple ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and spices!
What’s the Best Technique to Form a Tender Meatloaf?
Mixing the meatloaf properly is key to tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a large bowl, combine the meats, veggies, and other ingredients. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently.
- Try to mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the meat tough.
- When transferring to the loaf pan, gently shape it without compacting it too much; this keeps air pockets for a lighter loaf.
This approach helps maintain the moisture and makes for a comforting, tender dish!
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork or ground veal
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (optional for smoky heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Glazed Meatloaf will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake. You’ll need to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 25 minutes for everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get your oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easy later.
2. Soak the Bread Crumbs:
In a small bowl, take the bread crumbs and soak them in the milk for about 5 minutes. This will soften them and help keep your meatloaf moist!
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (or veal), chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, the soaked bread crumbs, and chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients gently but thoroughly using your hands or a spoon—just enough to combine everything without overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s formed evenly so it cooks in the same amount of time.
5. Prepare the BBQ Glaze:
In a small bowl, stir together all the BBQ glaze ingredients until smooth. This will be the flavorful topping for your meatloaf!
6. Add the First Layer of Glaze:
Spoon half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to start off with a delicious coating before baking.
7. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. Then, carefully take it out of the oven.
8. Glaze Again!
Spread the remaining BBQ glaze over the meatloaf for that extra flavor boost. It’s time for round two!
9. Finish Baking:
Pop the meatloaf back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
10. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven, and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier slice. Then, slice it up, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ glazed meatloaf! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef and Pork?
Yes, you can use ground turkey as a healthier alternative! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, which can make the meatloaf slightly drier. You might want to add a bit more moisture, like an extra splash of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or oats. Ensure that any sauces, like Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce, are also gluten-free.
Can I Freeze Leftover Meatloaf?
Absolutely! Allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How Do I Know When the Meatloaf is Done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the meatloaf is firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
