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Meatloaf Variations


  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This variation swaps traditional ketchup for a smoky barbecue sauce glaze, adding depth and sweetness to the meat. The interior remains moist and savory, while the exterior develops a sticky, caramelized crust during baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup crushed corn tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into a long log shape)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); combine milk and breadcrumbs then mix with beef, egg, onion, garlic, spices, and half the BBQ sauce; press into loaf pan; bake 50-60 minutes; brush with remaining BBQ sauce; return to oven for 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C); rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); mix beef, tortilla chips, egg, salsa, seasoning, peppers, beans, corn, and half the cheddar; press into loaf pan; bake uncovered 50-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C); top with remaining cheese; let sit 5 minutes to melt; garnish with cilantro and jalapeños.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); whisk milk and breadcrumbs then mix with beef, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire, and spices; press into loaf pan; toss crushed crackers with butter and parsley and sprinkle over meat; bake 55-65 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and crust is golden; rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); mix beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, marinara, milk, egg, garlic, herbs, and spices; press half the mixture into loaf pan to form a boat; place mozzarella log in center; cover with remaining meat sealing edges; bake 60-70 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C); rest 15 minutes before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 80

Keywords: Classic BBQ Meatloaf Tips: If you do not have a loaf pan, form the meat into a free-standing oval on a foil-lined baking sheet, noting that cooking time may decrease by about 10 minutes due to increased surface area. Taco Meatloaf Tips: Ensure black beans are thoroughly rinsed and drained to prevent excess moisture; if the meatloaf browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Cracker Crust Meatloaf Tips: Grating the onion helps distribute moisture and flavor without large chunks; ensure cracker crumbs are fine enough to stick but coarse enough to provide crunch. Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Tips: Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before stuffing to make it easier to handle and less likely to tear; if cheese leaks slightly during baking, it is normal and adds richness.