BBQ meatloaf might be the ultimate family favorite comfort food recipe! It’s a sheet pan dinner that’s delicious, quick and easy to make, and pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes.

BBQ Meatloaf

This meatloaf with BBQ glaze is such a nice change from the typical ketchup meatloaf I grew up having. I love BBQ sauce, so I knew I had to try meatloaf with barbecue sauce and it did not disappoint. It has quickly become my favorite way to make meatloaf, and I know you’re going to love it, too.

This tender meatloaf has such a nice blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that really is just next level delicious, especially after the edges caramelize while baking.

If you’re looking for a recipe that kids will gobble up, this is it! It’s a family favorite in my house and one that I can both count on everyone enjoying and is super easy to pull together.

Try serving it with some homemade sides like mashed potatoes without milk, some of this easy seasoned rice, or with a serving of baked mac and cheese with Velveeta.

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Ingredients

Ground Beef: This is the main ingredient in this dish. I prefer using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. The fat helps the meatloaf stay moist and tender, and the lean meat is what gives the loaf enough structure to hold its shape.

Butter: This is the fat we’re using to saute the onions. I like using butter because it has a richer flavor, but feel free to swap it out for your favorite cooking oil.

Onion: Sauteed onion adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to this dish. Feel free to swap it for shallots if that’s what you have on hand.

Eggs: Eggs are the binder in this recipe, which means that they help hold the meatloaf together.

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide some structure to help the meatloaf hold its shape. It also adds volume to the meatloaf, which helps the meat stretch further.

Milk: Milk is the liquid we’re using to hydrate the breadcrumbs, which stops them from pulling moisture out of the meat.

BBQ Sauce: Instead of the traditional ketchup, we’re using BBQ sauce to add flavor to our meatloaf. It adds layers of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that really bring this meatloaf to the next level.

Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder: Salt enhances all of the other flavors in this recipe, pepper helps balance out the richness of the meat, and garlic powder adds a savory flavor.

Alternative Ingredients

• Meat: I prefer meatloaf made with just ground beef, but some people prefer a blend of meats. You can combine ground beef with ground pork or ground lamb for a different flavor and texture that is also delicious.
• Sauce: Try adding a dash of Worcestershire or smoked paprika for a bolder flavor, or a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Breadcrumbs: You can swap breadcrumbs for panko, rolled oats, or even crushed Ritz crackers.

How To Make BBQ Meatloaf

Saute Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)

Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in breadcrumbs, milk, some of the BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

Add the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef in chunks and mix until combined. Stir in the cooked onions.

Shape the Loaf: Transfer the beef mixture to a foil-lined baking dish. Shape it into a firm, even loaf with your hands.

Glaze: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.

Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake until the meat is fully cooked and the top is caramelized.

Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a bit before slicing and serving. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overmix: If you overmix meatloaf, it can end up dense and dry. Be sure to mix gently until all of the ingredients are just incorporated.
• Check The Internal Temperature: The only way to know for sure that meat is finished cooking is by using an instant read meat thermometer. I always check my meatloaf before pulling it out of the oven to make sure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165F at the thickest point.
• Let It Rest: Letting the meat rest for a bit before slicing and serving gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, which means you’ll end up with a more delicious and juicy meatloaf.
• Make It Ahead: This is a great meal to make ahead of time. You can make the loaf (without adding the glaze on top) and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to make it, coat it in the glaze, and bake it.

What Is BBQ Meatloaf Made Of?

This simple BBQ meatloaf recipe is made from a combination of ground beef, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs to create the perfect tender meatloaf. It’s flavored with your favorite BBQ sauce, sauteed onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make it next level delicious.

Can You Substitute BBQ Sauce For Ketchup In Meatloaf?

Yes! You can absolutely substitute ketchup with BBQ sauce in meatloaf. Ketchup has a more simple sweet taste, while BBQ sauce adds more layers of flavor. In addition to the sweet flavor, it also adds smoky and tangy flavors.

What Goes On Top Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is usually coated in a glaze that caramelizes as it bakes, adding both flavor and moisture. While ketchup is the traditional meatloaf topping, we’re using BBQ sauce in this recipe.

What Is The Secret To Juicy Meatloaf?

There are several secrets to juicy meatloaf – here are my top tips. Be sure to use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef so that there is enough fat content to keep the meatloaf tender. Add milk so that the breadcrumbs don’t pull moisture out of the meat. Use eggs to act as binder and to add moisture. Finally, don’t overmix the meatloaf, otherwise it will turn out tough – gently mix it until the ingredients are just combined.

What Can I Use In Meatloaf Instead Of Breadcrumbs?

There are so many options instead of breadcrumbs that you can use in meatloaf. My favorite options are panko, crushed crackers (like Ritz crackers or saltines), rolled oats, or cooked rice.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart When I Cook It?

If your meatloaf falls apart when you cook it, it could be because of a few different reasons. You might be using lean ground beef (90/10), which doesn’t have a high enough fat content. You might also not be using binders, like eggs and breadcrumbs. If you’re following the recipe to a “T” and it still doesn’t hold together, it’s probably because you’re not packing the meatloaf tightly enough when you form it. Be sure to press it into a loaf shape firmly before you bake it.

Is Meatloaf Better On A Sheet Pan Or In A Loaf Pan?

Meatloaf on a sheet pan is better than meatloaf in a loaf pan. That’s because it has more edges exposed, which allows more surface area to crisp and caramelize. It also gives the excess fat a chance to drain away so that it doesn’t get too greasy. Meatloaf made in a loaf pan can be a bit soggy.

What To Serve With BBQ Meatloaf

This BBQ meatloaf is really comfort food at its finest. I like to serve it with a hearty carby side dish, like mashed potatoes without milk or some stovetop Velveeta mac and cheese, and a green vegetable, like Crockpot green beans.

Storing, Freezing, And Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days either in slices or whole. To reheat a whole meatloaf, I recommend using the oven. To reheat slices, I recommend using a skillet on the stovetop. To freeze meatloaf, let it cool after baking, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.

Keep In Touch

I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime

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Dinner Recipes

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other dinner recipes. Some reader favorites are:

• Ground Chicken Meatloaf
• Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
• Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
• Honey Mustard Chicken
• Chopped Cheese Sandwich
• Stove Top Stuffing Recipe
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Turkey Sliders
• Instant Pot Tomato Sauce

This BBQ meatloaf recipe needs to be on your dinner rotation! It’s such an easy oven baked dinner that will not disappoint.