Secret Ingredient Bbq Meatloaf
Elevate your comfort food game with this Secret Ingredient BBQ Meatloaf, a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite! Featuring tender ground beef, a savory blend of seasonings, and the perfect amount of smoky BBQ sauce, this recipe is taken to the next level with the addition of sweet and velvety apple butter—our not-so-secret star ingredient. The apple butter adds a subtle, unexpected sweetness that perfectly complements the rich BBQ glaze, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Quick to prepare and baked to juicy perfection, this irresistible meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh veggies for an easy but unforgettable dinner. Perfect for family meals or crowd-pleasing gatherings, this BBQ meatloaf recipe promises to be a favorite on your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety, divided)
- 0.25 cup apple butter (the secret ingredient)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large loaf pan or baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender meatloaf texture.
Add the apple butter and 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to the mixture, incorporating it evenly. The apple butter will add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that makes this meatloaf stand out.
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan or form it into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. Pat it down gently to create an even surface.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. While it’s baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and a tablespoon of apple butter in a small bowl.
After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the BBQ glaze evenly over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for clean slices.
Slice and serve your Secret Ingredient BBQ Meatloaf with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
563 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.1 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 140 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 895 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.6 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 29.3 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 548 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
