Description
A classic, comforting meatloaf recipe made with lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and a savory sweet BBQ ketchup glaze. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, parsley, onion, and a hint of brown sugar that caramelizes to create a deliciously moist and flavorful dish for any family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Topping
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything thoroughly for even seasoning and texture.
- Shape Loaf: Press the meat mixture firmly into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Bake Initial: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 45 minutes to allow it to set and begin cooking through.
- Prepare Topping and Finish Baking: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the sweet glaze. After the initial baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C), spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This caramelizes the topping and cooks the meatloaf until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes outside the oven to allow juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground beef with about 85-90% lean content to keep the meatloaf moist but not greasy.
- Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Leftover meatloaf slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To reheat, warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of meatloaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, homemade meatloaf, meatloaf with BBQ glaze, comfort food
