Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food with a twist? This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf is a delicious, juicy blend of seasoned beef, bold BBQ flavor, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect fusion of backyard barbecue vibes and cozy, home-cooked tradition. Whether you’re seeking easy dinner ideas, weeknight meal inspiration, or a quick make-ahead dish, this easy recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and family appeal. A must-try for fans of cheesy recipes, classic comfort food, and BBQ-packed meals.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until just combined.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the baking sheet or press it gently into a loaf pan.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients: BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
5. Brush or spoon half the glaze over the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 40 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, brush the remaining glaze, and top with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
8. Bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices and prevent crumbling.
Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better and adds stronger flavor.
Use 80/20 beef for best texture — leaner blends may come out dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: BBQ cheddar meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, easy dinner recipe, comfort food