Name: BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (divided)

If you grew up loving your family’s classic meatloaf but crave something bolder and more comforting, this BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf is about to become your new go-to. Juicy ground beef is blended with savory seasonings, a touch of sweetness, and sharp cheddar cheese that melts right into every bite. Topped with smoky barbecue sauce, this meatloaf is everything we love about hearty dinners, wrapped up in one perfect slice.

Whether you’re hosting Sunday supper or just need a cozy weeknight meal that feels special, this dish delivers on all fronts. The combination of cheddar and BBQ brings nostalgic, backyard flavors to your dinner table with minimal prep. It slices beautifully, feeds a crowd, and leaves you with leftovers that might taste even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

This meatloaf is far from the dry, bland version you may remember. It’s loaded with flavor thanks to tangy BBQ sauce both inside and on top, plus a generous helping of cheddar that keeps it moist and rich. It takes just a few pantry staples to pull together, making it budget-friendly and perfect for busy nights. And yes, it’s a total hit with picky eaters and meat lovers alike.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic pairing with BBQ, you can get creative here. Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack work well depending on your flavor preferences. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts nicely into the meat mixture for that irresistible texture and bite.

Ingredients for the BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

This meatloaf is built from everyday ingredients, yet the result feels gourmet. The key is using high-quality ground beef and a BBQ sauce you love, as both define the overall flavor.

Ground beef adds richness and holds everything together. Choose 80/20 for the right balance of fat and flavor.

Breadcrumbs absorb the juices and help bind the loaf, keeping it moist without falling apart.

Egg acts as the glue, helping all ingredients hold their shape during baking.

Cheddar cheese gives the meatloaf a creamy, salty kick throughout and creates gooey pockets of flavor.

BBQ sauce is the star, both mixed in and brushed on top. It adds tangy, smoky depth.

Onion brings sweetness and a bit of texture to every bite.

Garlic powder, salt, pepper enhance the savory notes and balance the flavor profile.

Milk adds moisture and softness to the loaf.

Worcestershire sauce layers in umami depth that makes the meat richer and more satisfying.

How To Make the BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form shape.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheddar, diced onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, half the BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Use clean hands or a fork to gently combine until evenly mixed, but don’t overwork the meat.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. Smooth out the top and brush generously with the remaining BBQ sauce.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

How to Serve and Store This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

This recipe serves about 6 hungry people, making it ideal for families or meal prep. Serve slices with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

What to Serve With BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf?

Mashed Potatoes

A creamy, buttery mash is the ultimate meatloaf companion. It soaks up the BBQ glaze perfectly.

Roasted Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans roasted with garlic or lemon keep the plate balanced and fresh.

Macaroni and Cheese

For a truly indulgent dinner, creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy top makes an unbeatable side.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet cornbread adds a comforting, southern-style contrast to the smoky meatloaf.

Garlic Bread

Thick slices of garlic bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based slaw gives a refreshing crunch to balance out the richness.

Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans echo the BBQ flavors while making it feel like a picnic on your plate.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy Caesar is a lighter option that still holds up to the bold flavors of the meatloaf.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting, flavor-packed beef dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic cheddar or try a smoky gouda? Did you add bacon? I love hearing how you make these meals your own.

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