Some dinners don’t need a fancy introduction. They just need a spot at the table, a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, and someone asking, “Is there enough for seconds?”

This classic meatloaf is that kind of dinner.

Made with ground beef and pork, sautéed vegetables, Italian breadcrumbs, and a generous coating of BBQ chili glaze, it takes a familiar comfort-food favorite and gives it a little extra personality. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and right at home on a cozy Sunday supper table—or whenever you’re craving a good homemade meal.

Two slices of BBQ chili glazed meatloaf topped with fresh parsley, served with mashed potatoes and green beans on a cream-colored plate.

Jump to Recipe

A Little Twist on a Dinnertime Classic

The magic starts before the meatloaf even reaches the oven. Onion, red bell pepper, and garlic get sautéed until softened, bringing savory flavor and a touch of sweetness to every slice.

Ground beef and pork make a flavorful combination, while eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, and half-and-half help bring the loaf together. A little chili sauce goes right into the mixture, so the flavor isn’t just sitting on top.

And then there’s the glaze. BBQ sauce and chili sauce come together for a tangy topping that gets brushed on during baking, followed by another coating over the top and sides before serving. Because a good meatloaf deserves a proper finishing touch!

What You’ll Need

For the meatloaf

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
¼ cup chili sauce
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
A little oil or butter for sautéing and greasing the pan, as needed

For the glaze

1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons chili sauce
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Ingredient note: Use a tomato-based bottled chili sauce for the classic tangy flavor here. A hot sauce such as sriracha will give a different result.

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How to Make This Classic Meatloaf

1. Get the oven and pan ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

2. Soften the vegetables

Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper in a little oil or butter until softened, adding the minced garlic toward the end so it doesn’t scorch. Let the vegetables cool slightly before adding them to the meat mixture.

3. Bring everything together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed vegetables, eggs, chili sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. You want everything combined without working the meat more than necessary.

4. Shape and bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and gently press it into an even loaf. Bake for 40 minutes.

5. Add that delicious glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the BBQ sauce and chili sauce.

After the first 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread half of the glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for about 15 more minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer. If it needs more time, continue baking until it reaches that temperature.

6. Finish and serve

Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it from the pan. Spread the remaining glaze over the top and sides, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like, and slice.

Now all that’s left is deciding who gets the end piece!

Little Tips for a Lovely Meatloaf

Dice the vegetables small. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly and make the loaf easier to slice.
Mix with a gentle hand. Stop once everything is incorporated to help keep the texture tender.
Let temperature guide you. The thickness of the loaf and your oven can affect the baking time.
Give it a short rest. It’s easier to serve neat slices when you don’t cut into it immediately.

What to Serve Alongside It

Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural partner for this glazed meatloaf. Add green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad to round out the plate.

Want something to soak up that extra sauce? A slice of soft homemade bread belongs right beside it.

And if there’s a slice left for tomorrow, tuck it into a sandwich with a little extra BBQ sauce. That’s a lunch worth looking forward to.

Comfort Food Worth Coming Home To

This meatloaf keeps everything we love about the classic and adds a few flavorful touches that make it feel special. Tender slices, savory vegetables, and that tangy BBQ chili glaze—it’s an uncomplicated dinner with plenty to love.

If you make it, leave a comment and tell me what you served alongside it. Are you team mashed potatoes, or does your family have another favorite meatloaf side?