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Classic BBQ Meatloaf

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls large and small
  • Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spatula or Spoon for Mixing
  • Brush for Glazing

Ingredients
  

For the meatloaf

  • 2 lbs ground beef 85% lean for flavor and juiciness
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the BBQ glaze

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil or lightly grease a baking sheet for shaping a freeform loaf.

Mix the meatloaf ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
    large stainless steel mixing bowl filled with raw ground beef

Shape the meatloaf

  1. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan or baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring it's even for uniform cooking.

Prepare the BBQ glaze

  1. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

Bake and glaze

  1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove it, and brush a generous layer of the BBQ glaze over the top. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Rest and slice

  1. Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices. Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.