This is not just your ordinary meatloaf recipe. It's a modern twist on a classic BBQ meatloaf that will leave you feeling nostalgic, just like I did when I first had my grandmother's meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or any occasion. It's a hearty combination of ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, meatloaf seasoning, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce that will give you the classic meatloaf flavor you crave.
But what sets this recipe apart is the delicious BBQ glaze that's made with your favorite BBQ sauce and a touch of hickory smoke flavor. The glaze is tangy and adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference by choosing the BBQ sauce you love.
Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Nothing beats a perfectly cooked meatloaf, especially when paired with gravy and mashed potatoes. But while there are endless variations of meatloaf recipes out there, one crucial mistake could be preventing yours from achieving true deliciousness.
When making meatloaf, it's important to remember the same rule that applies to whole-muscle meats such as steaks and roasts: let it rest before serving. Whether you're using ground beef, turkey, pork, veal, or a combination of meats, giving your meatloaf a rest before cutting into it will result in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
To ensure that your meatloaf is at its best, season it well and cook any vegetables thoroughly before combining them with the meat. And when it comes to cooking the meatloaf, consider going free-form instead of using a loaf pan to prevent sogginess and promote maximum flavor development.
Whether you prefer breadcrumbs or crackers, sauce or no sauce, or straight-up beef or a meat mixture, there's no denying that meatloaf is a versatile and beloved dish. But by following these simple tips and letting your meatloaf rest, you can elevate it to new heights of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Great for leftovers: This meatloaf refrigerates and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Easy to make: While it takes some time in the oven, prep is easy and straightforward.
Perfect for dinner parties: This recipe makes enough to feed 10 guests, making it an ideal choice for hosting a dinner party.
What is the best grade of meat to use for meatloaf?
When it comes to selecting the grade of meat, it's important to choose meat that is fresh and has been handled properly. While higher grades of beef, such as Prime or Choice, may have more marbling (which can contribute to tenderness and flavor), they may not be necessary for meatloaf.
Ground beef labeled as "ground chuck" or "ground sirloin" will typically contain meat from those specific cuts of beef, and they are good choices for this recipe. Look for meat that is at least 80% lean, ensuring that the meatloaf holds together well without becoming too dry.
The best grade of meat to use for meatloaf would be ground beef labeled as "ground chuck" or "ground sirloin," with at least 80% lean meat.
You should stop making meatloaf in a bread pan.
When it comes to culinary comfort, few dishes can compete with a well-made meatloaf. This classic dish features juicy roasted meat, fragrant vegetables, and a sweet and tangy caramelized crust that stands the test of time. But let's be honest, nobody wants to deal with a greasy, soggy bottom. Traditional loaf pans may keep your meat moist, but they also create a simmering pool of grease that can prevent your meatloaf from achieving a crisp exterior.
Thankfully, there are some easy solutions to this common problem. We recommend draining the grease from the pan 15 minutes before cooking is finished, allowing all sides to cook perfectly. I have even seen people lining the bottom of the pan with white bread, which soaks up the fat and results in a perfectly cooked exterior. And if you really want to avoid any excess grease, You should use a disposable foil pan with holes punched in the bottom.
We recommend forgoing the loaf pan altogether, free-form meatloaves are a great option that requires no pan. This technique allows all edges of the meatloaf to create a nice crust and for maximum coverage of your glaze.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of ground beef
1/2 cup finely diced white onion (yellow onions work too)
1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon Cloak & Dagger
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the BBQ Glaze:
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1½ teaspoon Hickory Smoked Sea Salt (Ground Fine)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, meatloaf seasoning, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape. and bake for 45 minutes.
While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the BBQ glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the BBQ sauce and Liquid Smoke over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After the meatloaf has cooked for 45 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the BBQ glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What to serve with BBQ Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Serving as a sandwich is a great way to make this dish, and ensure you cut the loaf to fit your buns and serve with extra glaze.
Meatloaf Tips & Technical Notes:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) before removing it from the oven.
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For a spicier glaze, use a BBQ sauce with more heat. For a sweeter glaze, choose a BBQ sauce with higher sugar content.
If you don't have our seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts of dried mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
What are Smoked Bros Craft Spices?
Smoked Bros is a premium brand of craft spices and BBQ rubs that has quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional flavor and quality. The company was founded by a group of military veterans who were passionate about grilling and barbecuing. Their commitment to using the finest ingredients and their love of the craft has made Smoked Bros a trusted name in the BBQ community.
One of the standout features of Smoked Bros' products is their attention to detail in crafting unique flavor profiles. They understand that flavor is king in the world of BBQ, and they take great pride in delivering perfectly balanced rubs with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you're looking for a classic Texas-style brisket rub or a bold, smoky pecan flavor, Smoked Bros has you covered.
But it's not just about taste. Smoked Bros is also committed to using high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Their products are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They're also gluten-free and MSG-free, making them a great choice for people with dietary restrictions.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Smoked Bros is also dedicated to giving back to the community. As a veteran-owned company, they're passionate about supporting their fellow service members and their families. They donate a portion of their profits to organizations that help veterans and their families, including the Green Beret Foundation.
Overall, Smoked Bros is a brand that truly understands the art and science of BBQ. They're committed to using the best ingredients and crafting unique flavor profiles to take your grilling game to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, Smoked Bros' premium craft spices and BBQ rubs are sure to impress.