BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

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This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf is what happens when comfort food gets a bold, cheesy upgrade. Imagine tender ground beef mixed with sharp cheddar, seasoned just right, and slathered with a smoky BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Every bite is juicy, rich, and packed with flavor that satisfies like a warm hug on a cold night.

Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or sharing with friends at a casual dinner, this meatloaf is anything but boring. It brings together the timeless appeal of homemade meatloaf with a flavorful twist that even picky eaters get excited about. And the best part? It’s easy to make and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

The cheddar melts right into the meat, giving it a juicy richness that pairs perfectly with the tangy-sweet BBQ sauce on top. It’s hearty, satisfying, and has just the right balance of savory and smoky. Plus, you can prep it ahead and freeze leftovers, making it an easy weeknight win.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

You can go classic with a hickory-style BBQ sauce or lean into sweet and spicy depending on your preference. A Kansas City-style sauce brings bold molasses flavor, while a Carolina vinegar-based one adds a bit of zing. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s one you love because it plays a starring role.

Ingredients for the BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

To make this flavorful meatloaf, you only need pantry basics and a few fresh staples. It all comes together in one bowl, and every ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture.

• Ground beef
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Each of these ingredients adds depth and binds the meatloaf together. The cheddar melts into pockets of flavor, while the breadcrumbs and milk keep things tender and moist.

How To Make the BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings.

Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf

Mix gently until just combined, then form into a loaf shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.

Step 3: Add the BBQ Glaze

Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top of the loaf. This will caramelize as it bakes, locking in moisture and adding deep flavor.

Step 4: Bake It

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing so the juices settle.

Serving and Storing Your Meatloaf Masterpiece

This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf feeds around 6 people, depending on your serving sizes. It pairs well with everything from mashed potatoes to green beans or cornbread. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just wrap slices individually for easy lunches or future dinners.

What to Serve With BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Classic and smooth, these are perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans

Add a crisp, garlicky freshness to balance out the richness of the meatloaf.

Skillet Cornbread

For a Southern-style twist, this golden cornbread is a cozy match.

Tangy Coleslaw

Bring some crunch and acidity to contrast with the meaty main.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Double down on the cheese factor and serve a creamy mac alongside.

Sautéed Spinach with Lemon

A light, zesty green to round out your plate.

Sweet Potato Fries

A little sweet, a little salty, and always delicious.

Want More Dinner Ideas With Bold Flavor?

If this BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf hits the spot, you’ll want to check out these next:

• Try this bold and tangy Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls
• Add comfort to your table with Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
• Keep things hearty with Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Love loaded flavors? Don’t miss our Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
• Want a cozy soup night? The Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy BBQ or sweet and smoky? Did you sneak in bacon bits or swap in pepper jack?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner time easier and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dinner recipe!

Conclusion

This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf is everything you want in a family dinner: bold flavor, cheesy comfort, and just the right amount of BBQ love. It’s familiar but fresh, easy but impressive, and destined to become a repeat request in your household. Whether it’s a chilly night or just a craving for something cozy, this meatloaf delivers every time.

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