BBQ Meatloaf Sliders: The Perfect Bite-Sized Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing recipe that brings the best of comfort food into a fun and portable package, these BBQ Meatloaf Sliders are the answer. Juicy, flavorful mini meatloaves topped with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns—this dish is a hit for game days, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Meatloaf Sliders

These sliders take classic meatloaf to the next level by turning it into hand-held bites layered with texture and flavor. The sweet and smoky BBQ glaze pairs beautifully with the savory meat, while the soft buns and melty cheese make every bite irresistible. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to love.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Mixture:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 6 slices cheddar or American cheese, halved
• Pickles, optional
• Extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid over-mixing.
3. Form mini patties: Shape the mixture into 12 even-sized small patties, slightly larger than the slider buns (they’ll shrink as they cook).
4. Bake: Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
5. Glaze with BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Brush this glaze over the tops of the cooked patties and return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to caramelize.
6. Assemble the sliders: Slice slider buns, add a meatloaf patty, top with cheese, pickles (if using), and extra BBQ sauce. Add the top bun.
7. Serve warm: Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the BBQ glaze is sticky and delicious.

Tips for Success

• Customize the BBQ sauce: Mix in some chipotle or hot sauce if you like heat, or honey for a sweeter glaze.
• Don’t over-mix the meat: Overworking the meat mixture can result in tough sliders.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf patties a day ahead and reheat just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ Meatloaf Sliders are perfect served with:

• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Sweet potato fries
• Dill pickles
• A cold iced tea or lemonade

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf patties for up to 2 months.

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