Can you barbecue a meatloaf?

Yes, you absolutely can barbecue a meatloaf, and it’s one of the best ways to add a smoky, caramelized crust to this classic dish. Grilling or smoking your bbq meatloaf recipe allows the flavors to develop deeply while creating a crisp exterior with a juicy interior. To barbecue successfully, shape your meatloaf so it cooks evenly, use indirect heat on the grill, and monitor the internal temperature to reach 160°F for perfect doneness without drying out.

What is in Paula Deen’s meatloaf?

Paula Deen’s meatloaf typically includes ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a ketchup-based topping, giving it a comforting, Southern-style flavor profile. While her classic version is oven-baked, you can easily adapt these ingredients for your bbq meatloaf recipe , adding your favorite BBQ glaze for an outdoor twist while retaining the homey flavors of her meatloaf.

What kind of barbecue sauce for meatloaf?

The best barbecue sauce for meatloaf is one that balances sweetness, smokiness, and a touch of acidity. Look for sauces made with brown sugar or honey for caramelization, vinegar for tang, and spices for depth. A sweet BBQ glaze for meatloaf complements the savory meat while providing a glossy, sticky finish when grilled or smoked. You can use a store-bought sauce or create a homemade version using ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices for a tailored glaze on your bbq meatloaf recipe .

Do you cook meatloaf covered with foil or not?

For your bbq meatloaf recipe , it’s best to cook uncovered to allow smoke and heat to develop a caramelized crust and smoky flavor. If the exterior is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the meatloaf to cook through. In the final 15–20 minutes, remove the foil and apply your BBQ glaze, letting it caramelize and form a sticky coating without burning, ensuring your meatloaf remains moist inside with a flavorful outer layer.

BBQ Meatloaf Recipe: Best Smoky Dinner Idea (2025)

Description

This BBQ meatloaf recipe is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor from the grill or smoker, finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings, this easy recipe brings classic comfort food to a new level while keeping it simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef or blend
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 onion, minced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup milk or broth
BBQ sauce for glazing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine breadcrumbs and milk, let soak.
Add eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, seasonings; mix.
Add ground meat; mix gently.
Shape into a loaf, place on parchment or grill tray.
Preheat grill to 350°F (indirect heat) or smoker to 225–250°F.
Cook until 160°F internal temp, glazing with BBQ sauce during the last 15–20 minutes.
Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a mix of fruitwood chips in your smoker.
Apply sauce in layers for a thicker glaze.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 1 hr
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling, Smoking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~1/6 of the meatloaf
Calories: ~350 per serving
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 26g