Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the meatloaf to bake evenly and get that perfect outer crust.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
- Grab a large baking sheet and give it a quick spray with your light cooking spray. This will help the meatloaf release easily after cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, line it with parchment paper for even less hassle during cleanup.
Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, BBQ sauce (save some for later!), diced onion, and seasoning. Use your hands—get in there! This is where the magic happens. Mix it until everything is combined but don’t overdo it.
- This is where the magic happens. Mix it until everything is combined but don’t overdo it.
Step 4: Shape Your Meatloaf
- Transfer the mixture onto the baking sheet and shape it into a rectangle or oval. Try to keep it as uniform as possible for even cooking. Aim for about an inch thick; this helps it cook faster and ensures it remains juicy.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Here comes the fun part! Brush the reserved BBQ sauce over the top of your meatloaf. This creates a sticky, sweet glaze that caramelizes as it cooks.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). To be sure, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, slice it up and serve it to your eager waiting crowd.
Notes
- Mix your meatloaf with your hands: This gets the job done quicker and is much more effective than using a spoon.
- Opt for leaner meat: Using a lean ground beef (like 93/7) can help reduce excess grease.
- Add veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider throwing in grated carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture.
- Topping options: Instead of BBQ sauce, you could use ketchup or even a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Freezer friendly: Make a double batch, cook one and freeze the other before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you're ready to use it.
