Description
This easy meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with flavorful spices, breadcrumbs, and a tangy BBQ-tomato sauce for a hearty, comforting meal. Baked to perfection in the oven, this classic dish is perfect for family dinners and serves six with a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 tsp Oil
- 750 g Beef mince
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 Egg (Beaten)
- 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
Sauce
- 800 g Tinned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C fan/200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6 to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Assemble the meatloaf: In a large clean bowl, combine the beef mince, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into a loaf or log shape.
- Prepare the pan: Drizzle the 2 teaspoons of oil into a large oven-safe pan, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking. Place the shaped meatloaf on top of the oiled pan.
- Bake the meatloaf initially: Put the pan with the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to start the cooking process and develop an initial crust.
- Make the quick sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, mix the tinned tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, additional onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine the sauce ingredients.
- Add the sauce to the meatloaf: After the initial 30 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Pour the prepared sauce around the meatloaf and spoon some over the top to coat it.
- Continue baking at a lower temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C fan/180°C/360°F/Gas Mark 4. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes to ensure thorough cooking and to allow the flavors to meld.
- Check for doneness and serve: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 70°C (160°F) to ensure it is fully cooked. Once done, remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the meatloaf is safely cooked through without drying out.
- You can substitute beef mince with a mixture of beef and pork for added flavor and moisture.
- The sauce adds moisture and a rich tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other barbecue or tomato-based sauces.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
