BBQ Meatloaf

BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

This BBQ meatloaf recipe is similar to my classic homemade meatloaf but instead of a tangy meatloaf sauce, it’s topped with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Liquid smoke added to the sauce is an easy way to get woodsmoke taste without using a smoker.

Meatloaf is a family favorite comfort food! It’s easy to make and leftovers make an amazing meal the next day. Other favorites include Lipton onion soup meatloaf and cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatloaf!

Recipe Ingredients

Simple ingredients come together to make this tasty meatloaf with BBQ sauce.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Meat: Use 80% – 90% lean ground beef, make ground turkey meatloaf, or 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef.
• Binder: I use panko breadcrumbs, broth or milk, and eggs to hold the meat together. Panko breadcrumbs are dryer than regular bread crumbs which can sometimes cause meatloaf to be mushy. Use crushed crackers or Rice chex instead of Panko.
• Seasoning: I use onion and garlic powders because it’s easy, but you can use fresh if you prefer.
• Liquid smoke: You don’t have to add liquid smoke, but it adds a smoky flavor that goes perfectly with the meat.
• Homemade BBQ glaze: I add some brown sugar and a splash of liquid smoke to BBQ sauce for the perfect smoky glaze. You can usually find liquid smoke near the BBQ sauces in the grocery store.

How to Make BBQ Meatloaf

You can make this BBQ meatloaf in a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with foil or shape it into a loaf on a regular baking sheet lined with foil. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to help prevent it from sticking to it once it has cooked.

1. Assemble ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix the beef, breadcrumbs, broth, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Add the liquid smoke if you’re using it and mix lightly. Don’t overmix the ingredients at this stage or you could end up with a dense loaf.
2. Shape the loaf. If you’re using a loaf pan, gently press the meat mixture into the foil-lined pan. If you’re using a baking sheet, gently form a loaf shape in the middle of the sheet.
3. Make the glaze. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke in a small bowl and carefully pour it over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake. Bake BBQ meatloaf at 375°F/190°C for 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160°F/71°C. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into slices.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix. Overmixing the meat mixture can result in a dense BBQ meatloaf.
• Line your pan. If you’re using a loaf pan, line the pan with foil or parchment, leaving some overhang over the edges. If shaping your meatloaf, line the baking sheet, too!
• Do not overcook. Overcooking can make your BBQ meatloaf dry and crumbly. The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read kitchen thermometer. Meatloaf will have an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Rest is important. Your BBQ meatloaf will need to rest for 10 minutes or so after it comes out of the oven before slicing it. The juices will have time to redistribute throughout the loaf and it will be easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

To serve meatloaf, I often garnish it with fresh parsley or green onion and pair it with classics like creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. You could even roast potatoes along with it for a sheet pan meatloaf!

It really goes with just about anything, though, from cheesy potatoes to fried mac and cheese! A basket of fresh dinner rolls is always a must for the table, too.