American
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 5measy
AmericanLunch
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThis Memphis-Style BBQ Meatloaf transforms the classic comfort food into a bold, flavor-packed main dish that celebrates the spirit of Tennessee barbecue. The meatloaf combines ground beef with a blend of smoky paprika, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, creating layers of depth that mirror traditional Memphis dry rub techniques. What sets this version apart is the tangy-sweet glaze made from ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar that gets brushed on during baking, forming a caramelized crust reminiscent of Memphis pit-smoked meats. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers authentic barbecue taste without the need for a smoker. The interior stays moist and tender while the exterior develops that signature sticky, slightly charred finish that makes Memphis barbecue famous. Serve it sliced with classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Instructions
step by step0/9 done
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onions, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared loaf pan or on the sheet pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create the BBQ glaze.
Brush half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Remove from oven and brush with the remaining glaze, then return to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze will set and become slightly sticky during this time.
Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Memphis-Style BBQ Meatloaf
4.1 (92)
A bold twist on traditional meatloaf featuring tangy Memphis barbecue flavors, ground beef mixed with smoky spices, and topped with a sweet-and-spicy glaze that caramelizes to perfection.
easy
1h 25m
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 15 checked
Main
- 900 grams ground-beef, at room temperature
- 3/4 cups breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned
- 2 pieces eggs, beaten
- 1 pieces onions, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire
Glaze
- 3/4 cups ketchup, divided
- 2 tablespoons vinegar-apple-cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoons mustard, yellow or dijon
- 1/4 teaspoons cayenne (optional)
Spices
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons cumin
- 3/4 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoons salt
Chef Tips
expert advice•For extra smokiness, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the meat mixture.
•You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version, though beef provides the most authentic flavor.
•If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the glaze or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
•The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
•For individual portions, shape the mixture into mini meatloaves in a muffin tin and reduce cooking time to 30-35 minutes.
•Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day - try it on toasted bread with pickles and extra barbecue sauce.
