BBQ Meatloaf
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Discover the flexibility of my meatloaf recipe, offering three different ways to prepare it: using an Instant Pot, baking it in the oven, or preparing it as a make-ahead freezer meal. Whether you're a fan of quick and convenient cooking in the Instant Pot, love the traditional charm of oven-baked meals, or prefer the ease of preparing ahead for those busy days, our recipe has got you covered. With a flavorful mix of ground beef, savory seasonings, and a hint of Italian flair, you can tailor your meatloaf to your liking. This is the best meatloaf recipe, hands down. Just follow our simple instructions for each method to savor a delicious meal that perfectly fits your lifestyle. It's all about making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free with my versatile meatloaf recipe.
For The Meatloaf
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2 Pounds Ground Beef
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2 packages Saltine Crackers
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1 Medium Onion (diced)
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Tomato Sauce1 8oz can of
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3 Eggs
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1 TBSP Minced Garlic
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Italian Seasoning1 Tsp
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1/2 tsp Thyme
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1/2 tsp Pepper
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1 1/2 tsp Salt
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1 14.5 oz can Petite Diced Tomatoes (drained)
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A couple of Pinches of Basil (topping)
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What Goes Well with BBQ Meatloaf?
How To Make BBQ meatloaf in the instant Pot
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, diced onion, tomato sauce, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, pepper, salt, and drained petite diced tomatoes. Mix until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a sheet of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the top with a couple of pinches of basil. Create an indentation in the meatloaf using your fingers to hold the barbecue sauce.
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Create a sling out of aluminum foil to lift the meatloaf in and out of the Instant Pot easily.
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Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
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Carefully place the aluminum foil-wrapped meatloaf onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
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Close the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to sealing, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook the meatloaf at high pressure for approximately 25 minutes per pound of meat. For a 2-pound meatloaf, this would be about 50 minutes.
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Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release.
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Carefully open the Instant Pot, remove the meatloaf, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Brush the top with your favorite barbecue sauce, slice, and serve.
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How To Make BBQ meatloaf in the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, diced onion, tomato sauce, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, pepper, salt, and drained petite diced tomatoes. Mix until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. You can shape it into a traditional loaf shape.
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Sprinkle the top of the meatloaf with a couple of pinches of basil.
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Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of your meatloaf. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
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About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, you can brush the top with your favorite barbecue sauce and return it to the oven to caramelize the sauce.
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Once the meatloaf is cooked through and has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Slice the meatloaf and serve with your preferred side dishes.
Enjoy your oven-baked meatloaf!
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This BBQ Meatloaf is a perfect
Make-Ahead Freezer Meal
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the barbecue sauce and the basil topping. Mix everything until well combined.
Shape and Wrap:
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Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape. You can make one large meatloaf or divide it into smaller individual portions, depending on your preference.
Wrap in Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil:
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Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil to provide an additional layer of protection. Make sure it's sealed securely to prevent air from entering.
Label and Date:
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Label the meatloaf packages with the date of preparation and any baking instructions (e.g., "Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350°F for 1.5 hours").
Freeze:
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Place the wrapped meatloaf in the freezer. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
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Baking Instructions (after thawing):
Thaw the Meatloaf:
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When you're ready to prepare the meatloaf, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Meatloaf:
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Place the thawed meatloaf in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of your meatloaf. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
Caramelize the Sauce (Optional):
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About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, you can brush the top with your favorite barbecue sauce and return it to the oven to caramelize the sauce.
Rest and Serve:
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Once the meatloaf is cooked through and has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.