Barbecue Meat Loaf
Barbecue Meat Loaf offers a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring a savory beef mixture topped with smoky bacon and a tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, its rich flavors and hearty texture make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash hot sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften bread crumbs with a small amount of milk, then combine with ground beef, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf shape.
- Place 2 or 3 slices of bacon on top of the loaf.
- In a separate bowl, combine tomato ketchup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture. If you don't have fine bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be a good substitute. Adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference, or try adding some smoked paprika for a different flavor twist. This dish is a classic American recipe that pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue meatloaf with a drizzle of extra sauce on top and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. It pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Meat Loaf contains roughly 690 calories, with 12g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1952mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it into a loaf before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it and then reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes. Just ensure that your binding agents, like bread crumbs and egg, are adjusted accordingly to maintain the right texture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, ensure the meatloaf is firm to the touch and the juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).