Description
Paula Deen’s BBQ meatloaf combines tender ground beef with tangy barbecue sauce for a hearty southern-style main dish. Generous glazing and simple preparation make this comfort classic perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 diced onion
- 2 8-oz (226 g) cans tomato sauce
- 1 lightly beaten egg
- 3 tbsps vinegar
- 3 tbsps brown sugar
- 2 tbsps dijon mustard
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 tsps salt
- 0.5 tsps pepper
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) water (to thin sauce if necessary)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 180°C / 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the meatloaf to perfection.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce until the mixture becomes a uniform, cohesive mass that promises rich flavor and texture.
- Form and Prepare Loaf: Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, positioning it in a shallow baking pan that will support its structure during cooking.
- Craft BBQ Glaze: Whisk together remaining tomato sauce, white vinegar, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of water to create a vibrant, tangy coating that will elevate the meatloaf’s taste profile.
- Dress and Bake: Lavishly coat the meatloaf with the prepared BBQ sauce, then slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, intermittently basting to ensure maximum moisture and flavor infusion.
- Check and Rest: Confirm doneness by verifying the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a succulent final result.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meatloaf into generous portions, presenting a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to delight diners with its robust BBQ-inspired essence.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 15-20% fat content for a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf that won’t dry out during baking.
- Mixing Magic: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
- Sauce Sealing Technique: Apply BBQ sauce in layers during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a caramelized, glossy exterior.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg