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Monster Smoky Meatloaf

This rebellious meatloaf features crusty, nearly burnt edges with a smoky, chewy interior that offers a delightful contrast in textures. Made with ground beef or a mix of beef and pork, it’s a rugged, customizable dish that’s perfect for those craving bold flavors and a bit of chaos on their plate. Its imperfect, crackly crust and juicy center make it both satisfying and visually striking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef or mix of beef and pork juicy, chewy, with good fat content
  • 1 cup chopped onions red or yellow
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 egg binds ingredients together
  • 0.25 cup smoky barbecue sauce chipotle or liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce adds umami richness
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust to your preference

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and gather your equipment: a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a meat thermometer.
  2. In the large bowl, combine the ground meat, 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; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  4. Shape the mixture into a rough, monster-sized loaf on your baking sheet, pressing it into an uneven, rugged form to create that crusty, rebellious look.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for about 50-60 minutes, until the crust is deeply caramelized and crackly at the edges. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; once it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the center, it’s fully cooked and ready to come out.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle, which makes slicing easier and neater.
  8. Slice the monster meatloaf into thick pieces, revealing its smoky, crispy crust and juicy interior, then serve with extra smoky sauce or a dollop of sour cream for contrast.