Dinner

Smoky Barbecue Glazed Meatloaf Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

This Smoky Barbecue Glazed Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. With a rich blend of spices and a tangy barbecue glaze, it’s perfect for a family dinner that feels both hearty and flavorful.

A close-up view of a rectangular meatloaf on a white plate, topped with a shiny layer of thick reddish-brown sauce that covers the entire surface. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled evenly over the sauce, adding a fresh look. The meatloaf itself has a textured, cooked brown outside with a slightly rough surface next to the sauce. Small bits of herbs or vegetables can be seen inside the meatloaf. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a few small herb pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking tray or loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk, letting them soak together for a minute.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ½ cup of barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder to the soaked bread crumb mixture.
Step 4: Mix all the ingredients until well combined, but try not to over-mix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 5: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking tray or inside the loaf pan.
Step 6: Brush the top of the meatloaf with ¼ cup of the barbecue sauce.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and apply the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce to glaze the top.
Step 9: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 10: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 11: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use half ground beef and half ground pork for a juicier meatloaf.
Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for extra texture.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, mix some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce before brushing.

Storage

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick rectangular piece of meatloaf on a white plate with a white marbled background. The meatloaf has a dark brown crust around its edges and a slightly lighter brown cooked interior. The top is covered with a shiny, deep red sauce that looks sticky and smooth. On top of the sauce, there is a sprinkling of finely chopped fresh green herbs. Some herbs are also scattered around the plate, adding a touch of color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a bit of added moisture to keep the meatloaf tender.