Description
This Easy Meatloaf recipe combines ground pork and beef for a juicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, onions, and BBQ sauce, this classic meatloaf is simple to prepare and baked to perfection for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko or Italian)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large onion (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
For Topping
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let the breadcrumbs soak for about a minute, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, ground pork, ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, egg, ¾ cup of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Shape and Sauce Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Brush the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a smoky, tangy finish.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 80 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160℉ (71℃) using an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful slice.
Notes
- This meatloaf utilizes a pork and beef blend for a tender texture and rich flavor.
- The use of pantry staples ensures you can prepare this recipe without any unusual ingredients.
- Brushing BBQ sauce on top adds a delicious smoky glaze that complements the meat.
- Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to achieve perfect doneness and food safety.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves juiciness and slicing ease.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 386 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg
