BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions

Introduction

Few dishes embody comfort food with a twist quite like BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions. This recipe takes the traditional homestyle meatloaf and elevates it with a tangy-sweet BBQ glaze and a crunchy topping of golden fried onions. The result is a meal that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, while also bringing something a little unexpected to the dinner table.

This dish bridges the gap between classic American comfort and Southern-style BBQ. The smoky BBQ sauce infuses the loaf with a rich depth of flavor, while the crispy onions add irresistible crunch and contrast. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this meatloaf is always a hit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a humble classic into something special yet still easy. The BBQ glaze creates a sticky, flavorful crust that perfectly balances the juicy, tender meat inside. Then, the crispy onions come in with a satisfying crunch that makes every bite exciting.

It’s also extremely versatile—pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or even a light salad. And let’s not forget, leftovers make amazing BBQ meatloaf sandwiches the next day. This recipe has comfort food soul with a bold, crowd-pleasing flair.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A fresh, modern twist on a traditional meatloaf.
• Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
• The crispy onion topping adds crunch and texture.
• Easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
• Leftovers are just as delicious, if not better!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Calories (per serving): ~460–480 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Crispy Onions:

• 1 cup store-bought crispy fried onions (like French’s)
• OR homemade: 1 large onion thinly sliced, dredged in flour, seasoned with salt/pepper, and shallow-fried until golden

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven:
   • Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Prepare the meat mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, cheddar (if using), Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape the loaf:
   • Transfer mixture into loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
4. First bake:
   • Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
5. Prepare the glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Add glaze:
   • Remove meatloaf from oven, spread half the glaze evenly over the top. Return to oven for 15–20 minutes.
7. Crispy onion topping:
   • In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle crispy onions over the top so they warm and adhere without burning.
8. Rest and serve:
   • Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ glaze if desired.

How to Serve

• With creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic plate.
• Alongside cornbread and coleslaw for a Southern BBQ feel.
• Slice leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches with pickles and extra BBQ sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture—it keeps the loaf tender.
• Use your favorite style of BBQ sauce—honey, smoky, spicy, or even bourbon-infused.
• Add a little ground pork or sausage for richer flavor.
• For homemade crispy onions, dredge thin onion slices in seasoned flour and shallow fry until golden.

Variations

• BBQ Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf: Add a layer of cheddar or mozzarella in the center of the loaf.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños to the meat mixture and use spicy BBQ sauce.
• Mini Meatloaves: Shape into smaller loaves or muffin tin portions for faster cooking and easy serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (uncooked): Shape loaf, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
• Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled slices for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in oven at 350°F until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Meat thermometer (to ensure 160°F internal temp)
• Small saucepan (if warming BBQ sauce separately)

Conclusion

BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions is everything you want in a comfort meal—juicy, smoky, tangy, and crunchy. It’s a modern spin on the classic meatloaf that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or preparing a hearty meal for guests, this dish will leave everyone satisfied.

With its sticky BBQ glaze and crunchy onion topping, this meatloaf isn’t just dinner—it’s a memorable experience. A true must-try for comfort food lovers!

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BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Meat

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 70 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 460–480 kcal per serving

Description

Few dishes embody comfort food with a twist quite like BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions. This recipe takes the traditional homestyle meatloaf and elevates it with a tangy-sweet BBQ glaze and a crunchy topping of golden fried onions.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Crispy Onions:

• 1 cup store-bought crispy fried onions (like French’s)
• 1 homemade: OR large onion thinly sliced, dredged in flour, seasoned with salt/pepper, and shallow-fried until golden

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, cheddar (if using), Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape the loaf: Transfer mixture into loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
4. First bake: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Add glaze: Remove meatloaf from oven, spread half the glaze evenly over the top. Return to oven for 15–20 minutes.
7. Crispy onion topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle crispy onions over the top so they warm and adhere without burning.
8. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ glaze if desired.

Keywords: BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Onions