Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and nostalgic Australian meatloaf laced with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or next-day sandwiches. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs (450 g) ground beef, breadcrumb, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, soak 3/4 cup breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 8x4 inches and place it in a lightly greased baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. Step 6: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides or slice for sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (450 g) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Aussie Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze?

Australian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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