Meatballs & Meatloaf

Barbecue Meatloaf

Name: Barbecue Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (120g) barbecue sauce; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Xenia Foxworth · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook45 min

Total65 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a barbecue meatloaf for my family. It was a weeknight, and we were all tired from a long day. I needed something easy, comforting, and delicious. That's when I decided to try out a recipe I had been experimenting with - a barbecue meatloaf made with ground beef, barbecue sauce, and cheese.

The result was amazing. The meatloaf was tender, flavorful, and had just the right amount of sweetness from the barbecue sauce. My family loved it, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Since then, I've perfected the recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This barbecue meatloaf recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available. The best part is that it's a crowd-pleaser - kids and adults alike will love the combination of ground beef, barbecue sauce, and cheese.

In this recipe, we'll go through the steps to make a delicious barbecue meatloaf. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the meatloaf to perfection, I'll guide you through every step of the way. So, let's get started!

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. And, if you're looking for a way to make it even more special, you can try out some of the variations I'll suggest at the end of the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The combination of ground beef, barbecue sauce, and cheese is a crowd-pleaser
The meatloaf is tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior and a creamy interior
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as ground beef and cheese
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great barbecue meatloaf is in the layers of flavor. We start with a mixture of ground beef, onion, and garlic, which provides a solid foundation of flavor. Then, we add in some barbecue sauce, which gives the meatloaf a sweet and tangy taste. Finally, we top it off with a layer of cheese, which adds a creamy and rich texture.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. We use a combination of baking and broiling to cook the meatloaf, which helps to create a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This technique also helps to prevent the meatloaf from drying out, which is a common problem with many meatloaf recipes.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. After cooking the meatloaf, we let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf even more tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious barbecue meatloaf, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is ground beef, which provides the foundation of the meatloaf. You'll also need some onion, garlic, and barbecue sauce to add flavor. Finally, you'll need some cheese to top it off and add a creamy texture.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality ground beef that is fresh and has a good fat content. You'll also want to select a good-quality barbecue sauce that is sweet and tangy. For the cheese, you can use either cheddar or mozzarella - both work well in this recipe.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20 or 70/30. This will help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
1 medium onion, finely choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use a yellow or white onion if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120g) barbecue sauceChoose a good-quality barbecue sauce that is sweet and tangy. You can also use a homemade barbecue sauce if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseUse a high-quality cheddar cheese that is sharp and flavorful. You can also use mozzarella or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs, such as Panko or white breadcrumbs, to help bind the meatloaf together.
1 egg, beatenUse a large egg to help bind the meatloaf together. You can also use an egg substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, to add flavor to the meatloaf.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperUse a high-quality black pepper to add flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use white pepper if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use dried parsley if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeatloaf pan or 9x5-inch loaf panInstant-read thermometerOvenBroilerCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Barbecue Meatloaf

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
3
Add the breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped parsley to the bowl and mix until the ingredients are just combined.
4
Add the barbecue sauce to the bowl and mix until the ingredients are just combined.
5
Transfer the meat mixture to a meatloaf pan or 9x5-inch loaf pan.
6
Top the meatloaf with the shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
9
While the meatloaf is resting, preheat the broiler to high heat.
10
Place the meatloaf under the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
12
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Expert Tips

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to stay moist.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, to add a rich and creamy flavor to the meatloaf.
Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use a homemade barbecue sauce to add a unique and tangy flavor to the meatloaf.
Let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, as this will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Not letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, which can cause the meatloaf to dry out.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as ground beef with a low fat content, which can make the meatloaf dry and flavorless.
Not preheating the oven to the correct temperature, which can affect the cooking time and texture of the meatloaf.
Not using a broiler to melt the cheese and add a crispy texture to the meatloaf.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, to add a rich and creamy flavor to the meatloaf.
Add some chopped bacon or prosciutto to the meat mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use a homemade barbecue sauce to add a unique and tangy flavor to the meatloaf.
Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use a meatloaf pan with a built-in thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, as this will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.

What to Serve With Barbecue Meatloaf

This barbecue meatloaf is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. The meatloaf is also great as a sandwich filling, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Some other ideas for serving the meatloaf include:

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesGreen saladSandwich fillingCheese, lettuce, and tomato

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This barbecue meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the meatloaf in the refrigerator, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze the meatloaf, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the meatloaf, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through. You can also reheat the meatloaf in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

When reheating the meatloaf, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C). This will help to prevent foodborne illness and ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of ground beef to use for this recipe?

The best type of ground beef to use for this recipe is a high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20 or 70/30. This will help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for this recipe. Some other options include mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella.

How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Let the meatloaf cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerating or freezing it.

How do I reheat the meatloaf without drying it out?

To reheat the meatloaf without drying it out, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through. You can also reheat the meatloaf in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Can I use a different type of sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of sauce for this recipe. Some other options include ketchup, mustard, or a combination of barbecue sauce and ketchup.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, make sure to not overmix the meat mixture and to not overcook the meatloaf. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf and ensure it reaches a safe minimum of 160°F (71°C).

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meatloaf on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

The Full Recipe

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