Picture the aroma of savory BBQ sauce mingling with tender, juicy ground meats, creating a symphony of flavors in your kitchen.
BBQ meatloaf is the epitome of comfort, blending simplicity with indulgence.
It’s an easy dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any dinner table.
As the ingredients meld, a delicious transformation unfolds, making each bite a delightful experience.
Let’s bring this hearty dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 oven
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking BBQ Meatloaf, here’s a timeline you can follow:
Preparation Phase
- Reading the Recipe (2 minutes)
- Take a moment to read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and ingredients.
- Gather Ingredients and Tools (3 minutes)
- Collect all the ingredients and tools you’ll need: ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, olive oil, mixing bowl, loaf pan, whisk, measuring cup, measuring spoon set, knife, and cutting board.
- Preheat the Oven (1 minute)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Ingredients (4 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes. Then, add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Cooking Phase
6. Prepare the Loaf Pan (1 minute)
– Lightly grease the loaf pan with olive oil.
7. Transfer and Shape the Meatloaf (2 minutes)
– Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. Spread a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor.
8. Bake the Meatloaf (1 hour)
– Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center.
Resting and Serving
9. Rest the Meatloaf (10 minutes)
– Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve the Meatloaf (2 minutes)
– Slice and serve the meatloaf warm, with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In the large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let them soak for a few minutes.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs.
Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Lightly grease the loaf pan with olive oil.
Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
Spread a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the meatloaf warm, with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of BBQ meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your plate with a medley of roasted seasonal veggies.
- Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the savory meatloaf beautifully.
- Cornbread: Enjoy a sweet and crumbly side that enhances the meal’s comforting feel.
- Green Salad: A fresh and light salad balances the hearty meatloaf, adding a revitalizing element to your meal.
Storage
To store leftover BBQ meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze it.
Freezing
To freeze BBQ meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil after cooling.
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat BBQ meatloaf, slice it and microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
Alternatively, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ meatloaf recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef and pork with the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce.
It’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
For a great texture, remember to soak the breadcrumbs in milk before combining them with the other ingredients.
This step helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
Experimenting with different BBQ sauces can add a unique twist to the dish, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking.
After baking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes to guarantee it holds its shape when sliced.
If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Pork?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground pork, but expect a leaner texture. Guarantee proper seasoning to maintain flavor. Turkey’s lower fat content may affect moistness, so consider adding extra moisture, like an additional egg or milk.
What Gluten-Free Alternatives Can I Use for Breadcrumbs?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like crushed rice crackers, almond flour, or gluten-free oats. Guarantee you maintain the same volume. Pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture, enhancing ingredient integration.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Spicier?
Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture for heat. Substitute spicy BBQ sauce and add cayenne pepper. Guarantee even distribution by thoroughly mixing. Taste-test before baking to adjust spice levels accordingly.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef and pork with a mix of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. Guarantee proper seasoning and binding by adding extra breadcrumbs and egg or a flaxseed egg alternative.
Can I Use a Different Sauce Besides BBQ?
You can substitute BBQ sauce with ketchup, tomato paste, or a tangy glaze. Make sure the consistency complements the meatloaf’s texture. Adjust seasoning to balance flavors, and apply evenly on top for best caramelization during baking.
BBQ Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let them soak for a few minutes.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Lightly grease the loaf pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the meatloaf warm, with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
