When the air turns crisp and leaves crunch underfoot, there’s nothing quite like the comforting smell of dinner baking in the oven. This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe brings all the warmth of a classic American kitchen into your home—melty cheese, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and juicy meat wrapped into one perfect loaf. This isn’t your average meatloaf. It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Whether you’re gathering around the table after a busy weekday or meal prepping for the weekend, this dish feels like a hug in dinner form. It’s been a favorite among our readers for its simple steps, rich flavor, and fall-perfect appeal. Let’s get into everything you need to make it a success.
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BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf brings comfort food to a whole new level with melty cheese, tangy BBQ glaze, and juicy beef in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for moisture)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Optional Toppings:
- Extra cheddar for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar, BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place on baking sheet or in pan. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Mix glaze ingredients together. After 30 minutes, brush glaze on meatloaf and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Line your pan to make cleanup easy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
Here’s everything you’ll need to pull together this hearty dish:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for moisture)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Optional Toppings:
- Extra cheddar for melting on top
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven & Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a loaf pan.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
3. Shape & Bake:
Form the meat into a loaf shape and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered.
4. Add the Glaze:
Mix together the glaze ingredients. After 30 minutes, brush the glaze over the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest & Serve:
Let your BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Tips for a Perfect BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix. Just like with meatballs, less mixing means more tender meatloaf.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Line your baking pan. It helps lift the loaf out easily and reduces cleanup.
If you love hearty dinners, you’ll also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes or our rich Mississippi Chicken Recipe, both flavorful, family-friendly meals.
Variations: Make It Yours
Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Stuffed Option
Stuff the center of the meatloaf with more cheese or sautéed mushrooms for an indulgent twist.
Streusel-Style Crust
Top your meatloaf with crushed fried onions or crushed BBQ chips for extra crunch before adding the glaze.
Low-Carb
Swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to lower the carb count.
Like mixing it up? Try this creative take on Zucchini Bread Recipes that makes healthy swaps easy and delicious.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
- Let leftovers cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Slice and wrap individually or freeze the entire loaf.
- Store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 60–90 seconds until heated through.
Need more dinner-saving options? Check out our make-ahead friendly Taco Lunch Meal Prep and freezer-happy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe.
FAQs About BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the breadcrumbs slightly to help hold moisture.
2. What BBQ sauce works best?
Use one that matches your taste smoky for bold flavor, sweet for kids, or spicy for a kick.
3. How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs are your binding agents. Make sure not to skip either.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the loaf and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for later.
Conclusion
The BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe is everything you want on a cool fall evening cozy, rich, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this loaf will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Pair it with mashed potatoes or a seasonal salad like our Strawberry Spinach Salad for a complete, comforting dinner.