When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a hearty meatloaf.
This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf takes the classic dish up a notch with gooey cheddar cheese baked inside and a sweet, smoky barbecue glaze on top.
The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s tender on the inside, tangy on the outside, and perfect for family dinners.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
My Opinion
I’ve made plenty of meatloaf recipes before, but this BBQ cheddar version is easily one of my favorites. The melted cheese inside gives every bite a rich, gooey surprise, while the BBQ glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
The flavors remind me of backyard cookouts—savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
I also appreciate how versatile this recipe is. You can keep it simple for a quick dinner or dress it up with sides like mashed potatoes and roasted veggies when you want something more indulgent.
The leftovers are just as good the next day—especially when turned into a warm meatloaf sandwich with extra BBQ sauce. Trust me, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in the family dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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🍖 Cheesy and flavorful – Every slice is packed with gooey cheddar and smoky BBQ flavor.
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🥄 Easy to prepare – Simple ingredients and quick prep make it weeknight-friendly.
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👨👩👧👦 Family-approved – A hearty dish everyone at the table will enjoy.
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🔄 Versatile – Works with beef, turkey, or chicken for lighter versions.
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🥪 Great leftovers – Makes fantastic sandwiches or next-day meals.
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🧑🍳 Customizable – Add veggies, switch cheeses, or adjust spices to your taste.
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
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Loaf pan (9×5-inch works well)
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Meat thermometer (to ensure doneness)
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Parchment paper (optional, for lining pan)
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free substitute)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
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¼ cup milk
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions/Substitutions:
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Use smoked cheddar for a stronger flavor.
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Add ½ cup finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Instructions
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Preheat oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Mix the ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, milk, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until just combined. (Tip: Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.)
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Shape the loaf – Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it lightly to form an even loaf shape.
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Add the glaze – Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top. This will create a sticky, caramelized coating as it bakes.
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Bake – Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
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Rest before slicing – Remove the pan from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the loaf moist when sliced.
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Serve – Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic pairing: creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
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Southern-style: cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans.
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Light option: crisp side salad with vinaigrette.
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Leftovers: serve slices on toasted bread with extra BBQ sauce for a hearty sandwich.
Storage & Freezing
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Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze cooked meatloaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
Expert Tips
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✅ Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this helps keep it tender.
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✅ Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
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✅ Let the meatloaf rest before slicing—it prevents crumbling.
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✅ Try mixing a little honey into the BBQ sauce for a sweet twist.
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✅ For extra smoky flavor, use a hickory- or mesquite-flavored BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture, shape it in the loaf pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all work great.
Q: How do I keep meatloaf from drying out?
The egg and breadcrumbs help lock in moisture. Also, don’t skip the resting period after baking—it helps redistribute the juices.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 23 g
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Fat: 16 g
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Saturated Fat: 8 g
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Cholesterol: 85 mg
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Sodium: 560 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 7 g
Conclusion
This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic. With its cheesy interior and tangy glaze, it’s hearty enough to satisfy the whole family while still easy enough for weeknight cooking. Whether served fresh out of the oven or as leftovers in a sandwich, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your table.