Take a step back in time with this Meatloaf Barbecue Style (VRP 090), a recipe that first made waves in the 1950s and continues to be a favorite for those who love bold, tangy flavors. This recipe combines the savory goodness of traditional meatloaf with a zesty barbecue sauce, made rich and flavorful by the iconic Hunt’s Tomato Sauce. Whether cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress at a potluck, this meatloaf delivers a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish.
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Meatloaf Barbecue Style
The History of Meatloaf Barbecue Style and Hunt’s Tomato Sauce
Meatloaf has been a beloved comfort food for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it began to see creative variations like this Barbecue Style version. By the mid-20th century, meatloaf had cemented its place in American kitchens, known for its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. During this era, as post-war America embraced convenience foods and bold flavors, recipes began to evolve, incorporating pre-made sauces and seasonings to create new and exciting dishes.
Hunt’s Tomato Sauce played a significant role in this culinary innovation. First introduced in the 1930s by Hunt Foods, Inc., the sauce quickly became a pantry staple, beloved for its rich, ripe tomato flavor. By the 1950s, Hunt’s had positioned itself as a leading brand in tomato products, and its versatility made it a go-to ingredient for home cooks looking to enhance their meals. This Meatloaf Barbecue Style recipe, which was prominently featured in a full-page advertisement in The Plain Dealer on June 2, 1957, exemplifies how Hunt’s Tomato Sauce was used to elevate a simple meatloaf into something special with its tangy, barbecue-inspired sauce.
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Timeline: The Evolution of Meatloaf Barbecue Style
- 1930s: Hunt’s Tomato Sauce was introduced, and it became popular in American kitchens.
- 1940s-1950s: Meatloaf solidifies as a staple American dish, with various recipes appearing in cookbooks and advertisements.
- June 2, 1957: The first known publication of this Meatloaf Barbecue Style recipe appears in The Plain Dealer, showcasing Hunt’s Tomato Sauce in a full-page ad.
- Today: This retro recipe remains a favorite, cherished for its nostalgic flavors and the comforting combination of meatloaf and barbecue sauce.
Recipe Discussion: Ingredients and Method
This Meatloaf Barbecue-Style recipe combines the traditional elements of meatloaf with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze. The base of the meatloaf is made with ground beef, fresh bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, a beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Half a can of Hunt’s Tomato Sauce is mixed together, adding moisture and a subtle tomato flavor to the loaf.
What sets this meatloaf apart is the barbecue-style sauce that’s poured over the top before baking. The sauce combines the remaining Hunt’s Tomato Sauce with water, vinegar, brown sugar, prepared mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture creates a rich, tangy glaze that caramelizes as the meatloaf bakes, infusing the meat with bold flavors.
The meatloaf is formed into a loaf and placed in a shallow baking pan, allowing the sauce to surround the meat and seep into it as it cooks. Basting the meatloaf occasionally with the sauce during baking ensures that the loaf remains moist and evenly coated, while the low and slow baking process at 350°F for about an hour and 15 minutes ensures that the meatloaf is cooked through and tender.
Tips for Perfecting Meatloaf Barbecue Style
- Use Fresh Bread Crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs help to keep the meatloaf tender and moist. If you don’t have fresh crumbs, you can easily make them by pulsing a few slices of bread in a food processor.
- Chop the Onion Finely: Finely chopped onion will blend better into the meatloaf mixture, ensuring an even flavor distribution and preventing large chunks.
- Baste Frequently: Basting the meatloaf occasionally with the sauce as it bakes helps create a flavorful glaze and keeps it moist.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes to help the juices settle, making it easier to slice.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- Shallow Baking Pan (7 x 10 inches): A shallow pan is ideal for this recipe, allowing the sauce to pool around the meatloaf and evenly coat it during baking.
- Silicone Basting Brush: This tool is perfect for basting the meatloaf with sauce as it cooks, ensuring an even glaze and easy cleanup.
- Digital Meat Thermometer: Ensuring that your meatloaf reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking is crucial for achieving a moist and tender loaf.
What to Serve with Meatloaf Barbecue Style
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich barbecue flavors of the meatloaf.
- Baked Beans: The baked beans’ sweetness complements the meatloaf’s tangy glaze perfectly.
- Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread is a classic side that pairs well with the bold flavors of barbecue-style meatloaf.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, smooth texture that balances the rich sauce.
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A Taste of Nostalgia
This Meatloaf Barbecue Style (VRP 090) recipe is a delicious throwback to the 1950s, showcasing how simple ingredients and a touch of Hunt’s Tomato Sauce can transform a classic dish. With its tangy barbecue glaze and tender, flavorful meat, this meatloaf is perfect for those who love bold, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe will impress and bring a bit of vintage flair to your table.
October 18th is National Meatloaf Day—time to celebrate the ultimate comfort food! Whether you like it classic or with a twist, it’s the perfect day to serve a slice of nostalgia.
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Vintage Recipe Box 90
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Meatloaf was with. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Box 90 recipes.
Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf (VRP 090)
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. ground beef
- ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1½ teasp. salt
- ¼ teasp. pepper
- 2 8-oz. cans Hunt's Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablesp. vinegar
- 3 tablesp. brown sugar
- 2 tablesp. prepared mustard
- 2 teasp. Worcestershire
Instructions
- Mix together beef, crumbs, onion, beaten egg, salt, pepper and ½ can Hunt's Tomato Sauce.
- Form into loaf, and put in shallow pan, about 7 x 10 inches.
- Combine the rest of the sauce and all other ingredients.
- Pour over loaf.
- Bake in moderate oven (350°F.) 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Baste occasionally.
Notes
Makes 4 to 6 servings.