BBQ Meatloaf is a classic dish, made with a seasoned meat mixture that’s baked in the iconic oblong shape and then topped with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze! Leftovers are just as good the next day!

 

Take a new twist on a classic meatloaf recipe by adding a tasty BBQ glaze with a hint of smoky flavor.

If you love meatloaf, don’t miss out air fryer meatloaf, Lipton onion soup mix meatloaf, and meatloaf with brown gravy.

Why you should try this meatloaf with bbq sauce recipe

Perfect for leftovers – This meatloaf recipe stores and reheats well making it great for leftovers through the week.

Easy – Just a few ingredients are needed to make this simple dish.

Family favorite – Tangy, sweet flavors, this meatloaf is a comfort food that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Great for any occasion – Casual enough for an easy weeknight meal but also delicious enough to serve to dinner guests.

Ingredients needed

• Ground beef – Regular ground beef can be used. A combination of ground beef and ground pork can also be used.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Use plain Panko breadcrumbs (Store-bought or homemade). The breadcrumbs help soak up excess moisture and keep the meat mixture from falling apart. You can also substitute with traditional breadcrumbs.
• Onion – Use a large yellow onion, finely diced.
• Eggs – The eggs make the meatloaf solid for slicing.
• Worcestershire sauce – This is an essential ingredient for the classic meatloaf flavor!
• Montreal seasoning – This is a spice mix used to season steak and grilled meats. You could also use my meatloaf seasoning recipe.
• BBQ sauce – Feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce or homemade sauce.
• Liquid smoke – This is optional but will add a delicious smoky flavor to the BBQ glaze.
• Brown sugar – This balances the acidity in the tangy BBQ sauce and adds sweetness.

How to make BBQ meatloaf

Step one: Preheat the oven and line the baking dish with parchment paper or foil. Combine the meatloaf mixture ingredients in a large mixing bowl until just combined.

Step two: Shape the mixture into an oblong form and place it on the prepared baking dish/pan.

Step three: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. While the meatloaf bakes, make the BBQ sauce glaze by stirring together the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke in a small bowl.

Step four: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top the loaf with the prepared glaze. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Make sure to let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe additions and variations

Meat – Using a ground beef with hight fat content gives the meatloaf more flavor and helps prevent it from drying out. You can add in some ground pork or even ground bison.

Sauce – If you would like to cut back on sugar, using just the BBQ sauce works well. You could also mix half ketchup and half BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy flavor.

Seasoning – Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste. You can even add a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy spicy food.

Recipe tips

• Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture, as it can become dry and dense.
• It’s important to use a rimmed baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper or foil. This will prevent meat juices and glaze from spilling over in the oven. You can also use a loaf pan to bake the meatloaf.
• Keep a close watch on your meatloaf. You don’t want to overcook it as this will result in a dry and crumbly meatloaf.
• The internal temperature of the baked meatloaf should register 160-165F for it to be cooked properly. You can use an instant read thermometer to make sure you reach the correct temperature.
• I don’t recommend using lean ground beef as this can make the meatloaf dry from a lack of fat content.
• Leftover meatloaf can be used to make other dishes, such as this meatloaf sandwich.

What to serve with meatloaf with BBQ sauce

There are so many delicious side dishes that pair well with meatloaf. Be sure to check out this list of 33 meatloaf sides that include recipes like baked stuffing, baked potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, and more.

How to store

Store: Once completely cool, wrap the meatloaf or individual slices with aluminum foil or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheat leftover BBQ meatloaf in the oven with a tablespoon or two of water or broth in the baking dish to help prevent the meatloaf from drying out. Reheat at 250F for 20-25 minutes (covered or uncovered).

Freeze: Freeze BBQ meatloaf for 2-3 months, wrapped in foil, and stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw the frozen meatloaf in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven as directed above.

More easy ground beef recipes

• Slow cooker taco meat – Simple recipe to make taco meat for a crowd.
• Layered taco dip – Delicious taco dip.
• Baked beans with ground beef – Baked beans baked with ground beef.