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Monster Meatloaf with a Smoky Twist

This rebellious meatloaf features crusty, almost burnt edges with a smoky, chewy interior that offers a delightful contrast in textures. Juicy ground meat is combined with onions, breadcrumbs, and smoky barbecue sauce, then shaped into a large, rustic loaf and baked until caramelized and tender. The result is a satisfying, imperfect dish that celebrates bold flavors and a bit of chaos in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 cup chopped onions red or yellow
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 cup smoky barbecue sauce chipotle or liquid smoke for extra flavor
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cooking spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onions, breadcrumbs, egg, smoky barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
  4. Shape the mixture into a rough, monster-sized loaf on your baking sheet, pressing it into an uneven, rustic form with crackles on the surface.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for about 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are deeply caramelized and almost burnt-looking, and the top is crackly.
  6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; once it reads 165°F (74°C), remove the meatloaf from the oven.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet—this helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
  8. Slice the monster into thick pieces, revealing the juicy interior and crispy crust, and serve with extra smoky barbecue sauce or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika in the mixture. Keep an eye on the crust during baking; if it darkens too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.