Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf
A Texas-inspired meatloaf with smoky BBQ glaze, featuring ground beef and pecans for a hearty, crowd-pleasing main course. This american-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, bread crumbs, ketchup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs, 80% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, plus extra for glaze BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
- Step 2: Press the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet. Brush the top with the remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
- Step 3: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is glazed and slightly browned.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf?
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 80% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf?
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 Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf 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 Dallas-Style BBQ Meatloaf?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 55-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
