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Classic Meatloaf Recipe with BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and delicious dish featuring lean ground beef mixed with Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavorful seasonings, baked to perfection with a tangy sweet topping of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, it offers a moist and tender texture with a caramelized glaze that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Topping

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce with clean hands until well combined, ensuring the mixture is evenly blended for uniform cooking.
  3. Shape Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet, compacting it slightly to maintain shape during baking.
  4. Bake Initial Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. This initial bake helps cook the meatloaf through before adding the topping.
  5. Prepare Topping and Increase Oven Temperature: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).
  6. Apply Topping and Finish Baking: Spread the prepared topping evenly over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the topping is caramelized.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful. Slice and enjoy your classic meatloaf!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier option and less fat during cooking.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
  • You can customize the topping by adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for more depth of flavor.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is important to keep it from crumbling.
  • If you prefer a smaller loaf, adjust baking time accordingly, checking internal temperature frequently.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of meatloaf)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/classic-meatloaf-recipe-with-bbq-sauce-recipe/