Juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sticky glaze that will make your taste buds sing—Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is the weeknight dinner upgrade you didn’t know you needed. This recipe puts a bold spin on traditional meatloaf by infusing it with umami-packed Korean ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil, balanced by a subtle sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.

It’s the perfect meal when you want comfort food with character. Whether you serve it alongside a bed of rice or some crispy roasted vegetables, this meatloaf holds its own as a standout dish. The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavorful fusion, let’s set the stage with the right tools.

Mixing Bowls: Crucial for blending the meat mixture evenly without overworking it. Use one large bowl for the meat mixture and a smaller one for the glaze.
Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): This shapes the meatloaf and ensures even cooking. A nonstick or parchment-lined pan makes for easy release.
Meat Thermometer: The secret to a perfectly juicy meatloaf is doneness without guessing. A thermometer ensures your internal temp hits 160°F.

Oven-safe Wire Rack (optional): If you prefer a firmer crust all around, you can bake it on a rack placed over a sheet pan.
Whisk and Silicone Brush: Great for making and spreading the glaze evenly over the loaf.

Having the right equipment on hand not only streamlines the cooking process but also guarantees your meatloaf turns out with the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Ingredients for the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Every ingredient in this meatloaf recipe plays a key role in creating its uniquely bold and savory flavor profile.

Ground Beef (85% lean): The foundation of our meatloaf. It provides a rich and juicy texture, perfect for absorbing Korean BBQ flavors.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and soak up the moisture from the other ingredients, ensuring a tender loaf.

Eggs: Another essential binder that gives structure and holds the meatloaf together during baking.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): The star of the show—adds depth, heat, and a fermented sweetness you can’t get from anything else.
Soy Sauce: Enhances umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness in the glaze and meat mixture.

Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way. It brings a nutty aroma that defines Korean cuisine.
Garlic & Ginger (minced): A duo that brightens and deepens the flavor base of the meat.
Green Onions: Adds freshness and a bit of crunch to each slice.

Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that plays beautifully with the spicy gochujang.
Ketchup: Classic for any meatloaf glaze, but it also complements the gochujang’s tang.
Rice Vinegar: Offers acidity to balance the richness of the meat and sweetness of the glaze.

Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Adds crunch and visual appeal.

How To Make the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and a pinch of brown sugar. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While it bakes, whisk together ketchup, gochujang, rice vinegar, a dash more sesame oil, and brown sugar. Adjust the spice to your liking.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

After 35 minutes, remove the meatloaf, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and more green onions, then serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

When it comes to serving this flavorful meatloaf, keep things simple to let the bold flavors shine. Pair it with a warm bowl of jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even roasted sweet potatoes. A side of kimchi or a quick cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), they store beautifully. Wrap slices in foil or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and don’t be surprised if the flavors are even more intense the next day.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices with parchment between them—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this meatloaf?

It has a mild to medium heat depending on how much gochujang you use. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and adjust to taste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works well. Just be aware it may result in a slightly lighter texture.

What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?

You can substitute with a mix of sriracha and miso paste, but the flavor won’t be quite as deep or authentic.

Do I need a meat thermometer?

It’s highly recommended to avoid over- or under-cooking. It ensures your meatloaf is safe and juicy.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the meatloaf and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf, here are a few more flavorful dishes to explore from Life With Olivia:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy, indulgent pasta night.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken with crispy coating and rich flavor.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that’s cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a baked spin on the classic dish.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot that’s full of flavor and slow-cooked to perfection.

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Let me know in the comments how your meatloaf turned out. Did you crank up the heat or keep it mild? Try a different glaze combo? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Have a question? Leave it below—let’s make this recipe even better together!

Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings together savory comfort food with bold Asian-inspired flavors. With gochujang, sesame oil, and a sticky glaze, it’s a flavorful twist that elevates your weeknight dinners.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and brown sugar until just combined.

3. Transfer mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it evenly. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.

4. While baking, whisk together ketchup, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar for the glaze.

5. After 35 minutes, spread the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

6. Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and more green onions before serving.