The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe with BBQ Glaze

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Classic Meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy bbq glaze. This Perfect Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and better than you remember from childhood, give it a try tonight!

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Growing up as a child of the 70’s, meatloaf was a staple on our family dinner table. I grew up eating this dinner, and to this day I still serve this classic meal to my family.

Only, now I’ve changed up the flavor. 

Or I should say, I’ve added MORE flavor. 

I’ve taken the traditional meat loaf recipe of childhood and added a tangy glaze of homemade bbq sauce. It’s so good!

When you hear people talk about mom’s meatloaf, this is why. Put away all your misconceptions about what makes a great meatloaf, and give this delicious dinner a try!

How to make The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

First, start with a lean ground beef. Some people will choose the cheapest ground beef on the market, and then wonder why they are left with a greasy meatloaf. Opting for a lean ground beef creates a delicious, tender meatloaf.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine your lean ground beef (90% or more) in a bowl with minced onion, garlic powder, quick cook oats, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, salt and pepper. Adding the milk and cheese helps create a MOIST meatloaf, that will slice perfectly. Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until combined.

Line a large baking sheet or shallow baking pan (make sure it has at least a 1″ side to collect any moisture or glaze) with aluminum foil. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf. Some people will use an actual loaf pan or bread pan, but I prefer the way it cooks on a baking sheet.

Next make your meatloaf glaze recipe.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, light brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spoon glaze over the top of your meatloaf. 

Bake in a preheated oven for about 55 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can I bake my meatloaf in a loaf pan?

Yes absolutely! You may want to line the pan with foil or parchment paper for easy release.

I would use a 9-inch loaf pan, and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

How long do I cook meatloaf?

My classic meatloaf recipe will cook in a 350 degree oven for about 55 minutes.

The key is to check the internal temperature, and remove from oven when it reaches 160 degrees F. 

Can you freeze Meatloaf

Yes. Wrap uncooked meatloaf in plastic wrap then wrap in foil. Freeze for up to two months.

When ready to cook, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Bake according to recipe directions.

Leftover Meatloaf

One of my favorite things to eat for lunch is a leftover meatloaf sandwich.

But, if you find you’ve really made too much, you can wrap it and freeze your leftovers. Heat in microwave for a quick lunch.

Or, break up the cooked meatloaf and put in tacos!

What you’ll need for the best BBQ Meatloaf recipe

• Lean Ground Beef (90% or more)
• Minced Onion
• Garlic Powder
• Quick Cook Oatmeal (some people may choose breadcrumbs, I prefer the oats)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Milk (any kind)
• 2 large Eggs
• Salt and Pepper
• Ketchup
• Light Brown Sugar
• Yellow Mustard
• Shallow Baking Dish
• Foil
• Mixing Bowl (large bowl)

What to serve with this Perfect Meatloaf recipe

I know it’s not the holidays, but we still love making this Sweet Potato Casserole year round! It’s sweet and delicious, and goes great with this BBQ meatloaf recipe!

If you’re going to serve the perfect meatloaf you should also serve the The Best Mac and Cheese. This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is one of the dishes my kids request on a weekly basis. I’ll change it up sometimes and serve this Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese too.

My mother in law makes the creamiest mashed potatoes. nobody will know Jill’s Cheating Potatoes come from a box!

Looking for bread? These No Knead Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls will please the whole family! You can also try this Cheesy Onion Beer Bread. One bowl and easy to make too! Short on time? These Puff Pastry Bread Sticks are so easy and tasty!

If you love this Classic Meatloaf, here are some other classic recipes

Comfort food. This Chicken Tetrazzini recipe has been a family favorite for many years! It’s also a great dish to bring a new mom!

This Authentic Swedish Meatballs recipe is delicious enough for a weeknight meal, and impressive enough for guests! You’ll love the creamy sauce and the sides of cucumbers and lingonberries!

These Sausage Stuffed Shells are the perfect freezer meal idea! They are also a great dinner to bring to family and friends!

In case it’s familiar to you, I’ve made this Classic Meatloaf recipe in the past. You’ll remember it from a few Halloweens ago when I made these Bloody Rats and Bones. I used today’s bbq meatloaf recipe to create 12 individual servings. I served it up with an easy garlic bread (bones) idea!

Fork tender, melt in your mouth, this is the BEST Mississippi Pot Roast recipe. A Naturally low-carb dinner idea made in the slow cooker!

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Yield: serves 6-8

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe with BBQ Glaze

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Tender, flavorful Classic Meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy bbq glaze. This Perfect Meatloaf is better than you remember, give it a try tonight!

Ingredients

• 2 lb Lean Ground Beef (90% or more)
• 1 Tbsp Minced Onion
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Quick Cook Oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Milk (any kind)
• 2 large Eggs
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup Ketchup
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Yellow Mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine your lean ground beef (90% or more) in a bowl with minced onion, garlic powder, quick cook oats, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, salt and pepper. Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until combined.
3. Line a large baking sheet or shallow baking pan (make sure it has at least a 1" side to collect any moisture or glaze) with aluminum foil. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, light brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spoon glaze over the top of your meatloaf. 
5. Bake in a preheated oven for about 55 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 454 Total Fat: 23g Saturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Cholesterol: 170mg Sodium: 447mg Carbohydrates: 21g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 15g Protein: 40g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.

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