This BBQ-style meatloaf is all about bold flavors, with a smoky, tangy glaze that’ll make your taste buds VERY happy! It's a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting but with a little extra kick
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I have a confession to make and some of you are not going to like it - the traditional OG meatloaf is not my jam. I've never been able to get behind it and I KNOW THAT IS WEIRD as it is a point of contention in my marriage. (Thomas loves meatloaf in any form)
So... I gave the idea of meatloaf a Gaby spin to make it something I was VERY excited about. Chipotle peppers in adobo and BBQ sauce really up the ante and make it more on brand for my southwestern palate! And guess what... it's better than the original in my humble opinion. Try it and report back! xx
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Yellow onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Olive oil
- Eggs
- Milk
- Breadcrumbs
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tuscan Seasoning or Italian seasoning
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- BBQ sauce (store bought works too)
- Ketchup
How to Make
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
In a medium pan, sauté the onions in olive oil for 4-5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 4 minutes, until everything is soft. Remove from the heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Stir and let rest while the onion mixture cools, about 5-10 minutes.
Add the ground beef, cooled onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, Tuscan seasoning, and chipotles to the breadcrumb mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the meatloaf mixture into a free-form loaf (roughly 9 x 6 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, and adobo sauce. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t overmix: Combine the ingredients just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
Use a 80/20 Ground Beef or a blend: A mix of ground beef and pork (or veal) adds flavor and moisture. Lean meats can make your meatloaf dry. If you're using just straight ground beef - opt for the 80/20 kind!
Season generously: Meatloaf needs salt, pepper, and a good balance of spices or herbs to bring out its best flavor.
Shape it free-form: Instead of a loaf pan, shape it by hand on a baking sheet. This allows for more surface area to get that yummy caramelized crust.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing.
Don’t forget the glaze: A tangy, sweet glaze made from ketchup, BBQ sauce, and chipotles in adobo gives a tasty kick and caramelized finish.
FAQ's
Similar Recipes
BBQ Style Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion diced (about ¾ cup)
- 1 carrot diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 stalk of celery diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup bread crumbs (panko is my personal preference)
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Tuscan seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chipotles in adobo minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup bbq sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chipotles in adobo
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- In a medium pan, sauté the onions in olive oil for 4-5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 4 minutes, until everything is soft. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Stir and let rest while the onion mixture cools, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, cooled onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, Tuscan seasoning, and chipotles to the breadcrumb mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf (roughly 9 x 6 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ketchup, and adobo sauce. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
I'm not a huge meatloaf fan, so really made this for my family last night. BUT I had 3 servings. So good! added mushrooms to the onion mixture. Will make again, for sure!
THIS MADE MY DAY
With all due respect, you need to pay closer attention to proofing your recipes before posting them. This isn't the first one I've looked at that completely leaves out ingredients and/or neglects to specify the quantities.
I think you just might be looking at the ingredient list - you need to continue to scroll down to the actual recipe card for the ingredients! Have a great day! xx
How much ketchup & bbq sauce?
Such a great comfort dinner!! The seasonings will make this the best ever!