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Pepper Meatloaf with Dr. Pepper BBQ Glaze Recipe

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4.3 from 41 reviews

This Pepper Meatloaf recipe combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with a sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper BBQ glaze, creating a moist, flavorful classic comfort food perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

For The Meatloaf

  • ¾ cup milk
  • ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

For The Glaze

  • ½ cup Dr. Pepper soda
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the meatloaf to bake evenly.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the milk and seasoned bread crumbs; let it soak for a few minutes. Add the eggs, dried minced onion, minced garlic, mustard, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, black pepper, and lean ground beef. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
  4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  5. Apply the Glaze: Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly for a flavorful crust.
  6. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Glaze Midway: Halfway through baking, brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf to enhance the moistness and flavor.
  8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve texture.

Notes

  • Let the bread crumbs soak in milk fully to keep the meatloaf moist.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat but maintain flavor.
  • Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  • Resting the meatloaf is essential to avoid dryness when slicing.
  • The Dr. Pepper in the glaze adds a unique sweetness and depth; substitute with cola if unavailable.