🧀🍅 Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Meatloaf
- 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
🍅 Topping
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (or ketchup if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
2️⃣ Shape
- Form the mixture into a loaf about 9 x 5 inches (23 x 13 cm).
- Place it on the prepared baking tray or into the loaf pan.
3️⃣ First Bake
- Bake for 40 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the Topping
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
5️⃣ Finish Baking
- Return to the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6️⃣ Rest
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- 🥔 Creamy mashed potatoes
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli
- 🥕 Roasted vegetables
- 🌽 Buttered corn
- 🥗 Fresh green salad
💡 Tips
- Mix half beef and half pork for an even juicier meatloaf.
- Add ½ cup grated Parmesan to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- For a smoky kick, mix a little smoked paprika into the BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and make excellent sandwiches.
😋 Enjoy!
This cheesy BBQ meatloaf is tender, juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with a delicious layer of melted cheese and tangy BBQ sauce—perfect for a comforting family dinner.