Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this delicious meatloaf. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and I’ve included some substitution suggestions to make it even easier.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dish. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This is where I like to get my hands dirty—mixing by hand gives me the best consistency.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. This sauce will be both mixed into the meatloaf and used as a glaze.
- Pour half of the sauce mixture into the meat mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even loaf.
- Brush the remaining sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it’s covered completely.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The glaze should be caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the loaf moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International