Amazing Meatloaf in 1 Hour

Ah, meatloaf! For so many of us, it’s the ultimate comfort food, right? That moment when you pull a perfectly glazed loaf out of the oven, just waiting to be sliced into tender, juicy pieces – it’s pure joy. I remember when my kitchen felt more like a battlefield than a sanctuary, and the idea of making something like this felt way out of reach. But trust me, finding that simple pleasure in cooking, creating something truly delicious and approachable, is totally possible. This classic meatloaf with its sweet and tangy BBQ glaze is exactly that: a simple, incredibly satisfying meal that’s become a weeknight lifesaver in my house. It’s for busy home cooks like you and me who believe that amazing flavor doesn’t need to be complicated, just like I learned on my own cooking journey!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf

This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s your new weeknight go-to! Here’s why it’s going to be a hit:

• Super Easy: Seriously, mixing this up takes about 15 minutes. No fancy techniques needed!
• Packed with Flavor: That sweet and tangy BBQ glaze is a game-changer, adding that amazing kick.
• Comfort Food Central: It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that just makes you feel good.
• Sliceable Perfection: We’ve nailed the texture so it’s tender, juicy, and holds its shape beautifully.

Gather Your Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf

Okay, let’s get our game plan ready! For this wonderfully easy meatloaf, you’ll want to grab these simple things from your pantry and fridge:

• 2 pounds ground beef: I usually go for the 80/20 blend. It’s got just enough fat to keep things super moist and flavorful, which is key for that perfect meatloaf texture.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko or regular – either works great! This is what helps bind everything together.
• 1/2 cup milk: Any kind will do. This adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Make sure it’s really chopped up small so it blends in nicely.
• 2 large eggs: These are our binders, holding all that goodness together.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup: Yep, right in the mix! It adds a little zing and color.
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Our basic flavor boosters.
• For the Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite!
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar: For that touch of sweetness and lovely caramelization.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: It adds a little depth and tang to the glaze.

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Mastering the Meatloaf: Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t you worry, making a fantastic meatloaf is totally doable! It’s all about a few simple steps and a little bit of patience. Think of it as a relaxing rhythm, not a race. We’ll get that perfect loaf onto your plate, I promise!

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

First things first, grab your biggest bowl. Gently toss in that ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, eggs, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s the golden rule: mix with your hands until everything is *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overwork it! Overmixing is the enemy of tenderness here, leading to a tough loaf. Just lightly bring it all together.

Crafting the BBQ Glaze

While you’re in the mixing zone, let’s whip up that yummy glaze. In a small bowl, just whisk together your BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Super simple, right? It’s going to give our meatloaf that perfect sweet and tangy finish.

Baking and Glazing Your Meatloaf

Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready. Shape your meat mixture into a lovely loaf right on a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Spread about half of that glorious BBQ glaze all over the top. Pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes. Then, pull it out, slather on the rest of the glaze, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

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Resting and Serving Your Meatloaf

This is crucial for that perfect slice: let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This lets all those juices redistribute, making it tender and easy to slice. Then, just cut into those beautiful slices and serve!

Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned Meatloaf

You know, getting that *perfect* old fashioned meatloaf – the kind that’s super tender and slices like a dream, not a crumbly mess – is all about a few little tricks. So, let’s talk about making sure your meatloaf turns out amazing every single time. It’s not complicated, I promise!

• Don’t Go Overboard with Mixing: This is probably the biggest secret! When you’re combining the meat, breadcrumbs, and everything else, treat it gently. Think of it as tossing a salad, not kneading dough. Overmixing makes the meat tough, and nobody wants a tough meatloaf. Just mix until everything is *barely* combined.
• Breadcrumb Swap-Out: No breadcrumbs? No problem! You can totally use crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) or even some rolled oats (just give them a quick pulse in the food processor if they’re big). They do the exact same job of binding everything together beautifully.
• Moisture is Your Friend: To keep it from drying out, make sure you’re not going overboard on lean meat. The 80/20 blend is great for a reason! Also, don’t skip the milk and eggs – they’re essential for keeping things juicy.
• Shape it Right: When you’re shaping your loaf, don’t pack it down too tightly. Keep it a little looser, and try to make the thickness pretty even. This helps it cook more uniformly so you don’t end up with dry edges and a raw middle.

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Variations for Your BBQ Glazed Meatloaf

While this classic BBQ Glazed Meatloaf is absolutely delicious as is, sometimes I love to switch things up! It’s a really flexible recipe, and adding your own little touches makes it even more special. Don’t be afraid to play around!

• Go Leaner with Turkey: Want a lighter version? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a mix of turkey and pork. Just be mindful that leaner meats can sometimes dry out a bit faster, so keep an eye on that internal temperature!
• Veggie Power-Up: I often sneak in finely chopped bell peppers or shredded zucchini into the meat mixture. They add extra moisture and a nice little bit of flavor. Just make sure they’re chopped super fine so they cook down nicely.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or a finely diced jalapeño. For the glaze, a dash of hot sauce or some chili powder can give it a nice kick!
• Different Glazes: Feeling adventurous? Swap the BBQ sauce for a sweet chili sauce, a simple ketchup-tomato paste glaze, or even a mushroom gravy. Each one gives the meatloaf a whole new personality!

Serving Suggestions for a Comfort Food Dinner

Now that you’ve got this gorgeous meatloaf, what goes on the plate next? To really amp up that cozy comfort food dinner vibe, I love pairing it with some classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are pretty much non-negotiable for soaking up any extra juices, right? And some steamed green beans or a simple side salad always feels like a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.

Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches: A Delicious Second Act

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing meatloaf, and guess what? It’s even better the next day! Seriously, leftover meatloaf makes the most epic sandwiches. Just grab a couple of slices of your favorite bread – toasted is best, in my opinion. Slather on a little extra BBQ sauce or even some mayo, then layer on those beautifully tender slices of meatloaf. Maybe add a crunch with some pickles or a slice of cheese if you’re feeling fancy. It’s honestly the easiest, most satisfying lunch ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a friendly heads-up, these are estimated nutritional values per slice, based on the ingredients and typical portion sizes for this classic meatloaf. Of course, things can vary a bit depending on the specific brands you use or any little tweaks you make!

• Calories: Around 450
• Fat: About 25g
• Protein: A solid 30g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 25g
• Sugar: About 15g

Classic Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze

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A tender and sliceable meatloaf with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, eggs, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
5. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a tender meatloaf, avoid overmixing the ingredients.
• If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers or oats.
• Leftover meatloaf is delicious sliced and used for sandwiches.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg