Make Ahead BBQ Meatloaf

BySharla Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

When it comes to meal prepping, meatloaf is always a great option because it’s perfect for freezing. But why prepare classic meatloaf week after week when you can easily take the flavour up a notch with a few simple substitutions? This BBQ meatloaf recipe is packed with flavour thanks to the sweet and salty filling and homemade BBQ glaze on top. But the best part about this simple dinner is that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy it!bag with meat mixture in it and then the cooked meatloaf on a plate with broccoli and potatoes

If you’re looking for a lighter option that can also be made ahead, you can also check out our Turkey Meatloaf.

BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef, raw
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup graham wafer crumbs
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons MSG-free onion soup mix

BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce

ground beef mixture in a bag with a smaller bag of BBQ sauce on top

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, evaporated milk, onion, eggs, salt, pepper and onion soup mix together in a large bowl.
  2. Transfer the meat mixture to a large resealable freezer bag. Remove excess air from the bag and seal.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and chili sauce to make the BBQ glaze.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture into a medium resealable freezer bag. Remove excess air from the bag and seal.
  5. Staple the BBQ sauce to the meat mixture above the zipper line of the bags. Place both bags in the freezer.
  6. Alternatively, this dish can be made in an 8×8 square pan, with BBQ sauce spread on top of the meat mixture, covered tightly with tin foil and then frozen.

process of making meatloaf as a freezer meal

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the refrigerator to thaw.
  2. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Press the meat mixture into an 8×8 square pan and top with BBQ sauce.
  4. Bake uncovered for one hour, then let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

collage of photos of the different stages of making meatloaf

Do You Cover Meatloaf with Foil When You Cook It?

Meatloaf is a very versatile dish, which means you can cook it covered or uncovered. If you’re worried about the meatloaf getting dry as it cooks, try covering the pan with foil for the first 40 minutes of cook time. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking another 20 minutes uncovered. The foil will help retain the moisture inside of the pan during the time it’s placed on top. And removing the foil at the end of the cook time will allow the BBQ glaze to thicken while the meatloaf finishes cooking.square baking dish with cooked meatloaf in it

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

Ensuring your meatloaf stays moist while it cooks is essential to a delicious dinner. Luckily, this recipe provides you with plenty of opportunity to create a moist meatloaf thanks to several different ingredient additions. On top of the BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf, adding eggs and evaporated milk to the meat mixture will ensure that your loaf stays nice and juicy as it cooks.fork cutting into meatloaf on a plate next to broccoli and cubed potatoes

What should I serve with meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a nice hearty main and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

diced potatoes, broccoli, and a square of meatloaf on a plate

diced potatoes, broccoli, and a square of meatloaf on a plate
Print
BBQ Meatloaf
Course: Main Course
Keyword: ground beef
Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. ground beef raw
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup graham wafer crumbs
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup onion minced
  • 2 eggs
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. dry onion soup mix
BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. chili sauce
Instructions
Assembly Instructions:
  1. Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, evaporated milk, onion, eggs, salt, pepper and onion soup mix together in a large bowl.

  2. Transfer the meat mixture to a large resealable freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal.

  3. In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and chili sauce to make the BBQ glaze.

  4. Pour the sauce mixture into a medium resealable freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal.

  5. Staple the BBQ sauce to the meat mixture above the seal. Freeze.

  6. Alternatively, this dish can be made in an 8x8 square pan, with BBQ sauce spread on top of the meat mixture, covered tightly with tin foil and then frozen.
Cooking Instructions:

  1. Thaw.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350°.

  3. Press the meat mixture into an 8x8 square pan and top with the BBQ sauce from the medium bag.

  4. Bake uncovered for one hour, then let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Sharla is a busy mom of 7 who is passionate about sharing her best secret to saving time, money, and stress… freezer meals. Read more…