Savory and juicy, my BBQ meatloaf burger is a favorite sandwich to whip up when a burger with a smoky twist is what we crave. Prepared with thick slices of my mouthwatering meatloaf slathered in an easy homemade BBQ sauce, plus a crunchy topping of crispy-fried shallots and crispy bacon, this meatloaf burger recipe is just the ticket when a smoky, kicked-up sandwich is what you crave!
A Meatloaf Burger with a Smoky, Crispy Twist
While any season is a perfect season for the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce, somehow, the summer seems just made for it.
And while we often slather chicken and ribs in that sweet and savory deliciousness, in our household, we love to prepare a mouthwatering meatloaf as the tasty vessel.
We then slather that meatloaf in my easy homemade BBQ sauce before slicing it thickly, then layering it up with other bells and whistles to create a burger.
Enter my scrumptious BBQ meatloaf burger, just the smoky, juicy and delectable sandwich fit for any occasion we crave that flavor of BBQ, piled into brioche buns then topped with crispy bacon and crispy-fried shallots—so mouthwatering!
The perfect meal to enjoy out on the deck or patio during the warm season, this stick-to-your-ribs burger is just the recipe to whip up when that irresistibly sweet, savory and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce beckons!
My Recipe for BBQ Meatloaf Burger with Crispy-Fried Shallots
While there are a few components to this burger recipe, they're all pretty simple to prepare, and with a short cut even...
I simply make a quick, homemade BBQ sauce to have ready and on hand to spread over the meatloaf, though one could even use a good quality, store-bought BBQ sauce, if preferred, to save on time.
I also prepare some quick, crispy-fried shallots to use as a crunchy topper for these burgers (absolutely mouthwatering!), though one could even substitute store-bought crispy onions to make things a snap!
The meatloaf is the star here, and that just requires a little mixing together of a few ingredients, shaping the meatloaf on a baking sheet, then baking it off until juicy and succulent on the inside.
Here's a little sneak peek at my BBQ meatloaf burger recipe: (or just jump to the full recipe...)
- To get started, I prepare my homemade BBQ sauce and keep that on hand, ready to use.
- Next, I mix up my meatloaf ingredients, and slather over top some of that homemade BBQ sauce.
- Then, I place the meatloaf into the oven to bake just until cooked through, tender and juicy.
- While the BBQ meatloaf bakes, I toss my sliced shallots in seasoned flour and quickly shallow fry just until golden-brown and crispy, then set them aside.
- To build the BBQ meatloaf burger, I slather a bit of mayo on the top and bottom of a brioche bun, add slices of BBQ meatloaf, then top with crispy-fried shallots and crispy bacon, and enjoy!
Recipe
BBQ Meatloaf Burger
by Ingrid Beer
This smoky BBQ meatloaf burger is slathered in homemade BBQ sauce, then topped with crispy bacon and fried shallots all on a brioche bun!
Category: Burger
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 6
Nutrition Info: 936 calories per burger
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
BBQ Meatloaf Burger Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds organic ground beef (I used 85/15 ratio)
- 3 ounce french roll, processed into breadcrumbs in food processor (or roughly 2 cups loosely packed)
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped, flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cup BBQ sauce (recipe below, or store bought is fine)
- 6 brioche burger buns, toasted
- Mayo
- 12 strips crispy bacon
BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon liquid smoked seasoning (can typically be found in the condiment isle)
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of two of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Crispy-Fried Shallots Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 shallots, sliced thinly into circles
- Salt
- Black pepper
- ¼ (heaping) cup flour
- Pinch paprika
- Begin by gathering and prepping all of your BBQ sauce ingredients (if preparing from scratch) according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
- To prepare the sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well-combined. Spoon into a container and set aside to use immediately, or store in fridge (as well as any unused portion).
- Next, gather and prep all of your meatloaf burger ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
- To prepare your meatloaf, begin by preheating the oven to 350°. Place the ground beef into a large bowl, and add in the remainder of the ingredients up to and including the black pepper, and gently mix together with your hands just until well combined.
- Place the meat mixture onto a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and hand-form into a meatloaf shape. Brush about ¼ (heaping) cup of the BBQ sauce all over the meatloaf, then sprinkle on a little black pepper, and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes.
- While the meatloaf cooks, gather and prep your crispy-fried shallot ingredients (if making from scratch) according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
- To make the crispy-fried shallots, add enough oil to a small/medium-size pot or skillet for shallow frying, and slowly heat the oil up until shimmering.
- Meanwhile, place the sliced shallots into a bowl, and sprinkle on a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, plus the flour and the paprika, and toss to coat.
- Fry the shallots in batches (if necessary) by adding the flour-coated shallots into the hot oil, and fry for a couple of minutes until golden-brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel, and sprinkle with a little extra salt/pepper, if desired. repeat with remaining shallots.
- To finish the meatloaf, slather on about ½ cup more of the BBQ sauce once baked, then slice the meatloaf into medium-thick slices.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading a little mayo (if desired) onto both top and bottom bun. Add a couple of slices of meatloaf (you can add a little more BBQ sauce, if desired), followed by a couple of strips of bacon and a sprinkle of some of the crispy-fried shallots.
- Cover with top bun, and serve.
Tips & Tidbits for my BBQ Meatloaf Burger recipe:
- Homemade BBQ sauce, or your favorite store-bought: Whipping up my homemade BBQ sauce is very quick and easy, and yields delicious results! But if you're pressed for time, simply use your favorite good quality, store-bought BBQ sauce—it's a great short cut!
- Make your crispy-fried shallots from scratch, or use store-bought crispy onions: Homemade crispy-fried shallots are quick to shallow-fry up. But again, you could substitute store-bought crispy onions as a crunchy topper on these on BBQ meatloaf burgers if you're looking for a short cut.
- Brioche buns for rich flavor, or your favorite variety: Brioche buns are probably my favorite to use for burgers, so I'm opting for those here as they're tender, rich and flavorful. But feel free to use seeded buns, whole wheat buns, potato rolls, or your favorite variety of buns.
- Smoky bacon, or use turkey bacon instead: If you're looking for an alternative to pork bacon here, then turkey bacon works really well, and is even a bit leaner.
Craving more delicious burgers or sandwiches? Check out this Coconut Crunch Chicken Sandwich, this Portobello Mushroom Burger, this Korean BBQ Burger, this Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or this Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto!
Cook's Note: This recipe was originally published in 2016, and has been updated with even more love!
Karly
Gorgeous. Delicious. I am totally obsessed with anything meatloaf, and this is just incredible! I must try this recipe soon!
The Cozy Apron
Hey Karly, thanks so much! 🙂
Joanne Murray
I'm looking forward to making this recipe- all delicious ingredients. I know my family will love it. Thank you for another great meal idea!
Meghan
This literally made me drool. Like, literally. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant but either way I can't wait to make this!
The Cozy Apron
Congrats to you on your pregnancy, Meghan! I hope you give this a try!
Jasmin M
Hi! Do you think I could form these into patties and make on the stove top? Will they keep their shape? I have already tried it loaf form and it was delicious! I'm anxious to try patty form. Thank you!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Jasmin, yes, I don't see why not! Glad you enjoyed the recipe in the past, hope you enjoy again!
Robbie - Yorkshire Caterers
I'm so curious/excited about tasting this. It certainly looks amazing definitely a must try!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Robbie, thanks! Hope you do try it!
Bonnie
It sounds outrageously good. I'm lazy, though. I need someone to come make it for me! Or, invite me over. I'll bring dessert. From the store!
The Cozy Apron
Haha! I love it Bonnie! Thanks for your comment.
Mia
This recipe originally stopped me because the picture makes me wanna lick my phone. I digress, however! I've made this many times. Even sliders. WINNERS!!! YOUR SPIRIT in this blog made me comment, usually don't, but I SO LOVE this one. Thanks
The Cozy Apron
Mia, thank you for commenting! I feel honored. So glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, and your words about the spirit in this blog really moved me. I appreciate your kindness very much!❤️
kimmyd
I was here for the recipe but got to reading your post and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for your post. You have no idea how much you helped me today.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Kimmy, thank you so much for sharing that with me; I'm really touched to know that. My hope here with The Cozy Apron is offer up food of both a physical and spiritual nature, and the fact that you received what you were "hungry" for—something on a bit of deeper level—is a blessing. Glad you feel you received something of value here.
Chelsey
I seriously just pinned your braised brisket recipe, then scrolled to see this beauty and my first thought was “oh my goodness woman! You’re killing my diet!” Lol. Your post here is Just beautiful. I pray to have more of the kind of grace and perspective you wrote about above, every day. Thank you for sharing. Your recipes and words are just lovely.
The Cozy Apron
Wow, Chelsey, thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment.
I hope you enjoy the recipes and find lots of comfort in them (even if they do "kill" your diet, lol!).
Laura
I love meatloaf sandwiches!! Try it with red onion and spicy mustard. They best! I’m totally trying this!
Becky
Ingrid love your thoughts you shared as I scrolled towards the recipe. I’m all in for anything meatloaf but wanted to know if anyone had shaped them into a burger? This is on my to try list regardless.
Becky
The Cozy Apron
Hi Becky, I have not tried making burger patties of this recipe, but I can't see why that wouldn't work.
Just use a skillet in that case, instead of baking in the oven. Let me know if you give this a try, I'd love to know how it goes! 🙂
Dana Estabrook
Can't wait to try this one!! It looks delicious!!! 😍
The Cozy Apron
May you enjoy, Dana! 🙂
Mark Bauer
Can soke the shallots in butter milk then dredge them in flour.
The Cozy Apron
You certainly can, if you'd like, Mark. 😉